Exploring the body surface temperature of the lumbosacral region and relevant back-shu points in patients with lumbar disc herniation induced low back pain based on infrared thermography. / åŸºäºŽçº¢å¤–çƒ­æˆåƒæŠ€æœ¯æŽ¢è®¨è °æ¤Žé—´ç›˜çªå‡ºç—‡è °ç—›æ‚£è€ è °éª¶éƒ¨åŠç›¸å ³èƒŒä¿žç©´è¡¨çš®æ¸©åº¦.

OBJECTIVES: To observe the body surface temperature of the lumbosacral region and relevant back-shu points in patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH) induced low back pain utilizing infrared thermography, and to explore the functional attribute changes of acupoints under pathological conditions. METHODS: A total of 50 patients with LDH induced low back pain were included as the observation group, and 45 healthy subjects were included as the control group. Using infrared thermography, the body surface temperature of the lumbosacral region and bilateral Sanjiaoshu (BL 22), Shenshu (BL 23), Qihaishu (BL 24), Dachangshu (BL 25), Guanyuanshu (BL 26), Xiaochangshu (BL 27), and Pangguangshu (BL 28) was measured in both groups. The temperature difference values between the bilateral lumbosacral regions and back-shu points of the two groups were calculated. Additionally, the body surface temperature of the affected and healthy sides of the lumbosacral region and relevant back-shu points was compared in the observation group. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the body surface temperature of the lumbosacral region and the bilateral temperature difference values of the lumbosacral regions were increased in the observation group (P<0.001). The body surface temperature difference values of bilateral Shenshu (BL 23), Qihaishu (BL 24), Dachangshu (BL 25), Guanyuanshu (BL 26) and Xiaochangshu (BL 27) in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01, P<0.001). In the observation group, the body surface temperature of the affected side of the lumbosacral region as well as Shenshu (BL 23) and Dachangshu (BL 25) was elevated compared with that of healthy side (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The patients with LDH induced low back pain have imbalanced and asymmetrical distribution of body surface temperature in the lumbosacral region and related back-shu points, Shenshu (BL 23) and Dachangshu (BL 25) have the relative specificity.

Basivertebral nerve ablation with concurrent lumbar laminotomy.

Lumbar radiculopathy due to impingement of nerve roots from facet hypertrophy and/or disc herniation can often coincide with vertebrogenic low back pain. This is demonstrated on MRI with foraminal stenosis and Modic changes. We examine the potential of using a combination of basivertebral nerve ablation (BVNA) and lumbar laminotomy as an alternative to traditional spinal fusion in specific patient populations. This unique combination of surgical techniques has not been previously reported in the medical literature. We report a man in his late 30s with chronic low back pain and lumbar radiculopathy, treated with BVNA and concurrent laminotomy. The patient reported progressive improvements in his mobility and pain over the next 2 years. We discuss the advantages of using this technique for lumbar radiculopathy and Modic changes compared with conventional surgical modalities.

Assessment of the prevalence and associated factors of lower back pain (LBP) among three different professionals in Bangladesh: Findings from a face-to-face survey.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the prevalence and associated factors of lower back pain (LBP) among farmers, rickshaw pullers and office workers in Bangladesh, while also investigating potential contributors within these occupational groups. DESIGN: This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence of LBP, associated factors and management procedures among farmers, rickshaw pullers and office workers in Bangladesh through face-to-face interviews. SETTING: The study was conducted in different parts of the Bogura district in Bangladesh. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 396 participants were included in the final analysis, all the participants were men and adult in age. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire based on previous research. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify significant associations. RESULTS: The prevalence of LBP was found to be 42.7% among the participants. Farmers and rickshaw pullers had approximately four-times and three-times higher odds of experiencing LBP compared with office workers. Other significant factors associated with LBP included living in a nuclear family, having a normal body weight, lacking professional training, having a chronic disease, having a family history of LBP and experiencing numbness in the legs or feet. The majority of respondents sought medical attention and took medication for their LBP. CONCLUSION: The study underscores occupational differences in LBP prevalence, emphasising the necessity for tailored interventions and occupational health policies. Identifying specific risk factors and management practices in these professions can aid in developing effective prevention strategies and enhancing healthcare services.

Chronic Low Back Pain in Adults: Evaluation and Management.

Chronic low back pain, defined as lumbar pain persisting for 12 weeks or more, occurs in about 13% of U.S. adults. Patients with chronic low back pain should have a history and physical examination to identify red flags that may indicate serious conditions that warrant immediate intervention or yellow flags (i.e., psychological, environmental, and social factors) that indicate risk of disability. The examination should include an evaluation for radicular symptoms. Routine imaging is not recommended but is indicated when red flags are present, there is a neuromuscular deficit, or if pain does not resolve with conservative therapy. Patients should avoid bed rest. Nonpharmacologic treatment is first-line management and may include therapies with varying evidence of support, such as counseling, exercise therapy, spinal manipulation, massage, heat, dry needling, acupuncture, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and physical therapy. Pharmacologic interventions are second-line treatment. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the initial medication of choice; duloxetine may also be beneficial. Evidence is inconclusive to recommend the use of benzodiazepines, muscle relaxants, antidepressants, corticosteroids, insomnia agents, anticonvulsants, cannabis, acetaminophen, or long-term opioids. Epidural corticosteroid injections are not recommended except for short-term symptom relief in patients with radicular pain. Most patients with chronic low back pain will not require surgery; evaluation for surgery may be considered in those with persistent functional disabilities and pain from progressive spinal stenosis, worsening spondylolisthesis, or herniated disk. Physicians should consider prevention of chronic low back pain when patients present with acute back pain. Screening tools are available to predict the progression from acute to chronic low back pain, and targeted treatment strategies are beneficial for preventing progression.

[Effect and complication among different kinds of spinal endoscopic surgery for lumbar disc herniation].

OBJECTIVE: To compare clinical efficacy and complication rate of percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy(PETD),percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy (PEID) and unilateral biportal endoscopic (UBE) in treating single-segment lumbar disc herniation(LDH). METHODS: From October 2019 to August 2021,121 LDH patients with single-segment treated by spinal endoscopy were retrospectively analyzed and divided into three groups. In PETD group,there were 48 patients,including 19 males and 29 females,aged from 18 to 72 years old with an average of (44.0±13.9) years old;3 patients with L3,4 segments,27 patients with L4,5 segments,and 18 patients with L5S1 segments. In PEID group,there were 43 patients,including 23 males and 20 females,aged from 20 to 69 years old with an average of (40.1±12.1) years old;1 patient with L3,4 segments,15 patients with L4,5 segments,and 27 patients with L5S1 segments. In UBE group,there were 30 patients,including 12 males and 18 females,aged from 29 to 72 years old with an average of (41.2±15.0) years old;1 patient with L3,4 segments,18 patients with L4,5 segments,and 11 patients with L5S1 segments. Operation time,blood loss,fluoroscopy times and complications among three groups were observed and compared. Before opertaion,3 months after operation and at the latest follow-up,visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to evaluate low back pain and lower extremity pain,Oswestry disfunction index (ODI) was used to evaluate lumbar function,and modified MacNab was used to evaluate clinical efficacy at the latest follow-up. RESULTS: All patients were performed endoscopic spinal surgery completly and were followed up for at least 12 months. One patient occurred dural sac rupture both in PETD and PEID group,and dural sac rupture was small,and there was no obvious discomfort after operation. Two patients were occurred intraoperative rupture of dural sac in UBE group. One patient was occurred cerebrospinal fluid leakage after operation,and was improved after rest in supine position and fluid rehydration. One patient without no significant postoperative discomfort. (1)There were no significant difference in operating time,blood loss and hospital stay between PETD and PEID group (P>0.05),while UBE group was higher than those of PETD and PEID group (P<0.05). There was no statistical significance in fluoroscopy times between PEID and UBE group (P>0.05),but PETD group was higher than that of PEID and UBE group (P<0.05). (2)VAS of low back pain at 3 months after operation in UBE group was higher than that in PETD and PEID group (P<0.05),but there was no significant difference between PETD and PEID group (P>0.05). At the latest follow-up,there was no significant difference in VAS of low back pain among three groups (P>0.05). (3)Lower extremity pain of VAS and ODI among 3 groups after operation were significantly improved at all time points compared with those before opertaion(P<0.05),and there were no statistical significance between groups (P>0.05),and there were no statistical significance in interaction between different time points and operation groups (P>0.05). (4) At the latest follow-up,according to the modified MacNab standard,the results of PETD group were excellent in 27 patients,good in 16 patients,moderate in 4 patients,poor in 1 patient;in PEID group,27 patients got excellent result,12 good,3 moderate,and 1 poor;in UBE group,16 patients got excellent,10 good,2 moderate,and 2 poor. There was no significant difference among three groups (χ2=0.308,P>0.05). Recurrence of lumbar disc herniation occurred in 1 patient among each three groups,symptoms were improved in 2 patients after symptomatic treatment,and 1 patient was treated in other hospitals. CONCLUSION: PETD,PEID and UBE techniques could achieve good early clinical effects in treating lumbar disc herniation with similar complication rates. Both of PETD and PEID are single-channel minimally invasive surgery,with mild intraoperative tissue damage and quick postoperative recovery; while intraoperative fluoroscopy of PETD was relatively more frequent, and PEID was more suitable for L5S1 segment;UBE is a two-channel surgery,in which the intraoperative soft tissue damage is more severe,but exposure is broad,which is more suitable for complex cases.

Conjoined lumbosacral nerve root: a case report.

BACKGROUND: In patients with conjoined nerve roots, hemilaminectomy with sufficient exposure of the intervertebral foramen or lateral recess is required to prevent destabilization and ensure correct mobility of the lumbosacral spine. To the best of our knowledge, no case reports have detailed the long-term course of conjoined nerve roots after surgery. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 51-year-old Japanese man with a conjoined nerve root. The main symptoms were acute low back pain, radiating pain, and right leg muscle weakness. Partial laminectomy was performed with adequate exposure to the conjoined nerve root. The symptoms completely resolved immediately after surgery. However, the same symptoms recurred 7 years postoperatively. The nerve root was compressed because of foraminal stenosis resulting from L5-S disc degeneration. L5-S transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion was performed on the contralateral side because of an immobile conjoined nerve root. At 44 months after the second surgery, the patient had no low back pain or radiating pain, and the muscle weakness in the right leg had improved. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of the long-term course of conjoined nerve root after partial laminectomy. When foraminal stenosis occurs after partial laminectomy, transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion from the contralateral side may be required because of an immobile conjoined nerve root.

Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Status and Vitamin D Supplements Use Are Not Associated with Low Back Pain in the Large UK Biobank Cohort.

Longitudinal studies assessing the association of vitamin D deficiency, defined by serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels < 30 nmol/L, and vitamin D supplement (VDS) use with low back pain (LBP) are sparse. This investigation assessed the cross-sectional and longitudinal association of vitamin D status and VDS use with LBP among 135,934 participants from the UK Biobank cohort. Approximately 21.6% of the participants had vitamin D deficiency, while only 4% regularly took VDS. In the month before study enrollment, 3.8% of the population reported experiencing LBP. An additional 3.3% of the population were diagnosed with LBP by their general practitioners for the first time during a median follow-up of 8.5 years. Vitamin D deficiency and VDS use were cross-sectionally associated with LBP in age- and sex-adjusted models, but these associations were not evident in comprehensively adjusted models. In longitudinal analyses, both vitamin D deficiency and VDS use were not associated with LBP in any model after correction for multiple testing. In conclusion, not unexpectedly due to the fact that LBP is multifactorial, our findings provide no evidence for the role of the vitamin D status in the etiology of LBP.

An investigation into the frequency and risk factors of low back pain following surgical treatment of isolated calcaneal fractures.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the frequency of low back pain after calcaneal fractures treated with open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) and the risk factors that cause this condition. METHODS: Thirty-one patients (27 males and 4 females) who underwent surgery for a unilateral calcaneal fracture between 2016 and 2020 and had no complaints of low back pain before fracture surgery were included in the study. The patients were divided into 2 groups: those who developed low back pain after the operation and those who did not. Patients were evaluated with the Life Quality Short Form SF-36, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and American Orthopedic Foot-Ankle Association Score (AOFAS). Sanders' fracture type, joint range of motion (ROM) measurements of injured and uninjured limbs, maximal isometric muscle strength measurements, balance on 1 leg with pedobarographic measurements, and walking time were evaluated. The obtained data were compared among the 2 groups. RESULTS: Low back pain was observed in 71% of the patients and was detected after an average of 6 months from the operation. In ODI, 59.1% of the patients reported that low back pain limited their lives slightly. Patients with low back pain have lower AOFAS scores and worse SF-36 physical functionality than those without low back pain (P < .001, P=.016). Balance time on 1 foot in pedobarographic measurements, foot in ROM, ankle in ankle active, passive plantar flexion, inversion, active hip, passive internal, external rotation, muscle is the foot eversion force. In these measurements, the values of the injured side are intact. It was statistically significantly lower than the other side (interaction P < .1). CONCLUSION: Low back pain may occur after unilateral calcaneal fractures treated by ORIF. This may be caused by decreased angles of ankle dorsi and plantar flexion, foot inversion, hip abduction, and internal and external rotation. In the rehabilitation program, not only the ankle region but also the hip joint of the affected side should be included, and the kinetic chain that describes the interaction mechanism of the human body should not be forgotten. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Prognostic Study.

Association between chiropractic spinal manipulation and cauda equina syndrome in adults with low back pain: Retrospective cohort study of US academic health centers.

BACKGROUND: Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is a lumbosacral surgical emergency that has been associated with chiropractic spinal manipulation (CSM) in case reports. However, identifying if there is a potential causal effect is complicated by the heightened incidence of CES among those with low back pain (LBP). The study hypothesis was that there would be no increase in the risk of CES in adults with LBP following CSM compared to a propensity-matched cohort following physical therapy (PT) evaluation without spinal manipulation over a three-month follow-up period. METHODS: A query of a United States network (TriNetX, Inc.) was conducted, searching health records of more than 107 million patients attending academic health centers, yielding data ranging from 20 years prior to the search date (July 30, 2023). Patients aged 18 or older with LBP were included, excluding those with pre-existing CES, incontinence, or serious pathology that may cause CES. Patients were divided into two cohorts: (1) LBP patients receiving CSM or (2) LBP patients receiving PT evaluation without spinal manipulation. Propensity score matching controlled for confounding variables associated with CES. RESULTS: 67,220 patients per cohort (mean age 51 years) remained after propensity matching. CES incidence was 0.07% (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.05-0.09%) in the CSM cohort compared to 0.11% (95% CI: 0.09-0.14%) in the PT evaluation cohort, yielding a risk ratio and 95% CI of 0.60 (0.42-0.86; p = .0052). Both cohorts showed a higher rate of CES during the first two weeks of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that CSM is not a risk factor for CES. Considering prior epidemiologic evidence, patients with LBP may have an elevated risk of CES independent of treatment. These findings warrant further corroboration. In the meantime, clinicians should be vigilant to identify LBP patients with CES and promptly refer them for surgical evaluation.

Middle cluneal nerve entrapment sites in the surgical field.

INTRODUCTION: Middle cluneal nerve (MCN) entrapment around the sacroiliac joint elicits low back pain (LBP). For surgical decompression to be successful, the course of the MCN must be known. We retrospectively studied the MCN course in 15 patients who had undergone MCN neurolysis. METHODS: Enrolled in this retrospective study were 15 patients (18 sides). We inspected their surgical records and videos to determine the course of the entrapped MCN. The area between the posterior superior- and the posterior inferior iliac spine was divided into areas A-D from the rostral side. The MCN transit points were identified at the midline and the lateral edge connecting the posterior superior- and posterior inferior iliac spine. Before and 6 months after surgery, the patients recorded the degree of LBP on the numerical rating scale and the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire. RESULTS: We decompressed 24 MCNs. The mean number was 1.3 nerves per patient (range 1-2). The MCN course was oblique in the cranio-caudal direction; the nerve tended to be observed in areas C and D. In six patients (40%), we detected two MCN branches, they were in the same area and adjacent. Postoperatively, LBP was improved significantly in all patients. CONCLUSION: Between the posterior superior- and the posterior inferior iliac spine, the MCN ran obliquely in the cranio-caudal direction; it was prominent in areas on the caudal side. In six (40%) patients, we decompressed two adjacent MCNs. Our findings are useful for MCN decompression surgery.

Relationships between the Spinal Dural Pulsations and the Short-Term Efficacy of Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection.

Background: Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) causes low back pain, leg pain, numbness in the leg, and neurogenic intermittent claudication. Epidural steroid injection (ESI) has been used for treating spinal stenosis symptoms. We hypothesized that dural pulsation was variable for lumbar spinal stenosis. In cases of the presence of dural pulsation, the pain relief after the ESI was better than in the absence of dural pulsation. This study aimed at investigating the relationships between the presence or absence of spinal dural pulsations and the efficacy of ESI. Methods: A total of 71 patients were enrolled in this prospective study. Prior to the ESI, the dural pulsation was measured using a 5-1 MHz array ultrasound transducer. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score was measured pre-ESI and 2 weeks post-ESI and 4 weeks post-ESI. At 4 weeks post-ESI, dural pulsation was rechecked. Results: The VAS scores improved after the ESI procedure regardless of the presence or absence of dural pulsation. There was a correlation between the pulsation of the dura and post-ESI VAS scores. However, VAS was not significantly different for different grades of stenosis. Conclusion: The ESI was effective in patients with spinal stenosis in short-term follow-up. Dural pulsation of the spinal cord was a positive predictive factor for the ESI effect, but the grade of spinal stenosis severity had no effect on the effectiveness of ESI.

Obstetric-related lower back pain: the effect of number of pregnancy on development of chronic lower back pain, worsening of lumbar disc degeneration and alteration of lumbar sagittal balance.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine whether the number of pregnancies contributes to the development of chronic lower back pain, worsening the lumbar disc degeneration and altering the normal lumbar sagittal balance. MATERIAL METHOD: There are 134 ladies participated in this study. They are divided into two groups based on their number of pregnancies (parity). All patients with chronic back pain were assessed using a visual analog scale for pain and the Oswestry Disability Index for their functional status assessment. Degenerative signs in lumbar MRI, which are Modic changes and the presence of Schmorl's node, were evaluated. Besides that, the sagittal balance of the lumbar spine was also measured via an erect lumbar plain radiograph. RESULTS: Patients with parities < 5 were included in Group 1, and those with parities ≥ 5 in Group 2. The mean visual analog scale score of Group 2 was significantly higher than that of Group 1 (8.42 ± 1.34 vs.6.50 ± 1.61). The mean Oswestry Disability Index score in Group 2 was significantly higher than that of Group 1 (29.87 ± 6.75 vs.18.41 ± 7.97). This relationship between the groups in terms of Modic change was statistically significant. The relationship between the groups regarding the presence of Schmorl's nodes was also statistically significant. The difference between the groups in terms of sagittal balance parameters was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Chronic lower back pain is significantly worse and associated with more disability in patients with more than five previous pregnancies. MRI degenerative changes are also significantly higher in these grand multipara groups.

Central Cord Syndrome After Fall From Inversion Table.

INTRODUCTION: Central cord syndrome, the most common incomplete traumatic spinal cord injury, often results in functional impairment with variable recovery. CASE PRESENTATION: Central cord syndrome developed in a 64-year-old man during routine home use of an inversion table. DISCUSSION: The incidence of central cord syndrome, which occurs most frequently after a fall, is increasing among older persons. Age-related changes in the cervical spine may predispose the spinal cord to compression and injury during a fall. Evidence for lumbar traction as treatment of low back pain is limited. CONCLUSIONS: This unusual case of spinal cord injury during inversion table use highlights the relationship between anatomical changes in the cervical spine and the mechanism of injury typical in central cord syndrome. The resulting increased risk of central cord syndrome for older adults should be discussed with patients in the context of activities that could lead to falls or cervical spine extension.

Multifidus lesions: A possible pathological component in patients with low back pain after posterior lumbar surgery.

There are few histological studies on multifidus after lumbar surgery, and it is not clear whether multifidus changes affect the clinical outcome after lumbar surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between multifidus changes and clinical outcomes after lumbar surgery. Patients underwent internal fixation removal after lumbar posterior surgery were enrolled. Patients were divided into a low back pain (LBP) group (n = 15) and a non-low back pain (non-LBP) group (n = 10).The Oswestry disability index (ODI) and visual analog scale (VAS) were completed. 18 patients with lumbar fracture surgery were included as the control group. Multifidus morphological changes were observed by hematoxylin and eosin and Masson staining. The expression of TGF-ß1 was observed by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and Western blot. The cross-sectional area (CSA) of the multifidus in the non-LBP group and the control group were greater than those in the LBP group. TGF-ß1 expression and gray value ratio in the non-LBP group and the control group were lower than those in the LBP group. The multifidus CSA and TGF-ß1 expression in multifidus were strongly correlated with ODI and VAS. Patients with LBP after posterior lumbar surgery suffered from atrophy and fibrosis lesions in the multifidus, and the degree of multifidus lesions was closely related to dysfunction and pain, which might be one of the causes of LBP after posterior lumbar surgery.

[Comparison of effectiveness between unilateral biportal endoscopic and uniportal interlaminar endoscopic decompression in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis].

Objective: To compare the effectiveness between unilateral laminotomy and bilateral decompression (ULBD) with unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) and uniportal interlaminar endoscopy (UIE) in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis. Methods: A clinical data of 52 patients with lumbar spinal stenosis, who met the selection criteria and treated with ULBD between March 2021 and November 2022, was retrospectively analyzed. The patients were allocated into UBE group (23 cases) and UIE group (29 cases) according to the surgical methods. There was no significant difference ( P>0.05) in age, gender, body mass index, surgical segment, type of lumbar stenosis, and preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score of low back pain, VAS score of leg pain, Oswestry disability index (ODI), disc height, and dural sac area between the two groups. Perioperative indexes (incision length, operation time, hospital stay, and surgical complications), clinical indicators (VAS score of low back pain, VAS score of leg pain, and ODI before operation and at 3 days, 1 month, 6 months, and 12 months after operation), and imaging indicators (disc height and dural sac area before operation and at 1, 12 months after operation, and dural sac expansion area) were recorded and compared between the two group. Results: All operations in both groups were successfully completed. Compared with the UIE group, the UBE group had shorter operation time and longer incision length, with significant differences ( P<0.05). But there was no significant difference in hospital stay and incidence of complications between the two groups ( P>0.05). All patients were followed up 12-20 months (mean, 14 months). The VAS scores of low back pain and leg pain and ODI after operation significantly improved when compared with preoperative values ( P<0.05), and there was no significant difference in the above indicators between different time points after operation ( P>0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups at different time points ( P>0.05). Imaging examination showed that there was no significant difference in disc height between the two groups at different time points after operation ( P>0.05). However, the dural sac area and dural sac expansion area were significantly larger in the UBE group than in the UIE group ( P<0.05). Conclusion: ULBD with UBE and UIE can achieve satisfactory effectiveness in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis. But the former has more thorough decompression and better dural sac expansion than the latter.

A 42-year-old patient with renal cell carcinoma presenting as low back pain: A case report.

RATIONALE: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common renal neoplasm, accounting for 2.4% of all cancers in Korea. Although the usual clinical manifestations of RCC include flank pain, hematuria, and palpable mass, RCC is generally characterized by a lack of early warning signs and is mostly discovered incidentally in advanced stage. This case report describes a 42-year-old Korean man diagnosed with giant RCC who presented with simple back pain. PATIENT CONCERNS: The clinical manifestation of a 42-year-old Korean man was chronic back pain. DIAGNOSES: Contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed a 19.1-cm sized heterogeneous enhancing mass on the right kidney and tumor thrombosis extending into inferior vena cava. INTERVENTION: Due to the large size of the tumor and extensive tumor thrombosis, the multidisciplinary team decided to administer neoadjuvant chemotherapy and an anticoagulant. Following 12 cycles of treatment with nivolumab and cabozantinib, he underwent a right radical nephrectomy with an adrenalectomy and tumor thrombectomy. OUTCOMES: Treatment was successful and posttreatment he started a cancer rehabilitation program. He was followed-up as an outpatient and no longer complains of back pain. LESSONS: RCC can manifest clinically as back pain, with diagnosis being difficult without appropriate imaging modalities. RCC should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients with low back pain, even at a young age.

Disc herniation associated with butterfly vertebra anomaly.

Butterfly vertebra anomaly is a rare condition where the vertebral body fails to fuse during embryogenesis. In this case report, we present a 32-year-old male with progressive lower back pain and paralysis in both lower extremities. CT- and MR-scan showed an isolated L3 butterfly vertebra with a fusion of L2 and L3 discus through the defect and a discus prolapse compressing the spinal canal. The patient underwent successful decompressive surgery and experienced relief in symptoms post-operatively.

History of pain around the lumbopelvic region during perinatal period: a prospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: Many women experience pain around the low back and pelvic girdle during/after pregnancy. These pains have different risk factors and require independent management strategies. Therefore, an epidemiological database is required to understand when each type of pain occurs, and how serious it could be. Thus, the history of pain in the lumbopelvic region throughout the perinatal period was investigated. METHODS: The information of 170 women recruited at the obstetrics and gynecology clinics in Japan was collected at 12, 24, 30, and 36 weeks of pregnancy, in the early days after childbirth, and one month after childbirth. The presence and severity of sacroiliac joint pain, pubic pain, groin pain, and low back pain were assessed using a numerical rating scale. Descriptive statistics were used to determine changes in the prevalence of pain. In addition, the change in the severity of each type of pain was observed through descriptive statistics, by including only those who had pain. RESULTS: The sacroiliac joint pain showed a twofold increase from 12 to 24 weeks, while the pubic pain suddenly increased after 24 weeks. The severity of pubic and groin pain increased sharply during pregnancy. Regarding low back pain, the change in the severity was lesser than the other pains. The sacroiliac joint pain was the highest among the four pains during pregnancy. CONCLUSION: Each type of pain had a different incidence rate and a different time of onset and aggravation. These results help women and health professionals to manage, and prevent these harmful symptoms.

Discussion on "Five zang-organs all can lead to low back pain, not only the kidney". / æµ è®ºäº”è„çš†èƒ½ä»¤äººè °ç—›ï¼Œéžç‹¬è‚¾ä¹Ÿ.

Low back pain (LBP) is the common disease in the department of acupuncture and moxibustion in hospital and is treated basically in terms of kidney deficiency. Through clinical observation and in association with classic literature, the authors proposes that the five zang-organs all can lead to LBP relevant to internal injury. Based on the analysis of typical cases, the authors expounds the nature of pain caused by each zang-organ and clarified the keys of the differentiation. LBP related to the liver is manifested mainly as lumbar soreness and distending pain, accompanied by the limited forward and backward extension of the lumbar vertebra. When the dysfunction of the heart and lung are involved, the hollow pain is dominant, combined with the weakness and emptiness feeling in the lumbar region. When LBP is caused by the dysfunction of the spleen, muscular pain is the chief complaint, combined with heaviness and soreness in the local, and the stiffness on palpation. When rooted at the kidney, LBP is manifested chiefly by dull pain, with deep location of illness, mostly around the lumbar sacral region.

The Sacroiliac Joint: A Current State-of-the-Art Review.

¼ The sacroiliac joint (SIJ) is a common cause of low back pain and should be included in the differential diagnosis.¼ Nonoperative treatment of sacroiliac pain is always the first line of therapy; however, when it is unsuccessful and becomes chronic, then recurrent nonoperative treatment becomes expensive.¼ Surgical treatment is cost-effective in appropriately selected patients. High-quality clinical trials have demonstrated statistically and clinically significant improvement compared with nonsurgical management in appropriately selected patients.¼ Spinal fusion to the sacrum increases degeneration of the SIJ and frequency of SIJ pain.