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Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine Apr 2024To evaluate the efficacy of physical therapy (PT) to alleviate symptomatic thoracic radiculopathy (TR) without the use of invasive procedures. Database search was...
To evaluate the efficacy of physical therapy (PT) to alleviate symptomatic thoracic radiculopathy (TR) without the use of invasive procedures. Database search was conducted by an experienced medical librarian from inception until January 27, 2023, in EBSCO CINAHL with Full Text, Ovid Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Ovid Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collection. Inclusion criteria included studies that involved adult patients (age≥18) who had a magnetic resonance imaging-confirmed TR and underwent a structured, supervised PT program of any length. All types of studies were included. Study quality and risk of bias were assessed using the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Study Quality of Assessment Tool. Certainty in evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. A meta-analysis was not performed. A total of 1,491 studies were screened and 7 studies met inclusion criteria, 5 case studies and 2 cohort studies. All studies showed improvement or resolution of the TR with PT. Quantitative improvements were not noted in most studies and PT regimens were sparsely described. Overall quality assessment demonstrated 3 studies had "good," 1 "fair," and 3 "poor" quality evidence. Certainty of evidence was "low" due to risk of bias. A dedicated PT program may help to alleviate symptomatic TR; however due to limited evidence, risk of bias, and low certainty in evidence, the data is too weak to support a definite conclusion.
PubMed: 38589206
DOI: 10.5535/arm.23136 -
Medicine Apr 2024Cervical spondylotic radiculopathy is currently one of the common orthopedic diseases, mainly characterized by neck pain, stiffness, limited mobility, and related...
BACKGROUND
Cervical spondylotic radiculopathy is currently one of the common orthopedic diseases, mainly characterized by neck pain, stiffness, limited mobility, and related symptoms of nerve root compression, which seriously troubles people's work and life.
METHODS
Ninety cases of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (Qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome) were randomly divided into treatment group and control group, 45 cases in each group. The control group was treated with western medicine (nerve nutrition, pain relief, and circulation improvement drugs), and the treatment group was treated with Gao's nape needle combined with modified Shentong Zhuyu decoction on the basis of the control group. Before and after 2 weeks, TCM syndrome score, TCM curative effect, visual analogue scale score, numbness score, neck disability index score, related serum inflammatory factors (interleukin-10 [IL-10], interleukin-6 [IL-6], tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α]), related hemorheological indexes (plasma viscosity, high shear whole blood viscosity, low shear whole blood viscosity level) were used as evaluation indexes to evaluate the effect.
RESULTS
After treatment, the total effective rate of the treatment group was 91.11%, which was better than that of the control group (78.78%), and the TCM syndrome scores of the 2 groups were decreased, the treatment group was better than that of the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P < .05). After treatment, the visual analogue scale score, numbness score, and neck disability index score were decreased in both groups, and the decrease in the treatment group was more significant than that in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P < .05). After treatment, the related serum inflammatory factors (IL-10, IL-6, TNF-α) and related hemorheological indexes (plasma viscosity, high-shear whole blood viscosity, low-shear whole blood viscosity) were decreased in both groups, and the decrease in the treatment group was more significant than that in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P < .05).
CONCLUSION
The treatment of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (Qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome) with Gao's nape needle and modified Shentong Zhuyu decoction can improve the curative effect of traditional Chinese medicine, improve the related discomfort symptoms (neck tenderness, adverse activity, numbness, etc), improve the neck function, reduce IL-10, IL-6, TNF-α, and other related serum inflammatory factors, and improve hemorheological indicators.
Topics: Humans; Qi; Radiculopathy; Interleukin-10; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Interleukin-6; Hypesthesia; Spondylosis; Drugs, Chinese Herbal
PubMed: 38579078
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000037382 -
International Journal of Surgery Case... May 2024Cervical disc herniation, which often results in ipsilateral upper extremity pain corresponding with the side of herniation, is rarely reported to cause contralateral...
INTRODUCTION
Cervical disc herniation, which often results in ipsilateral upper extremity pain corresponding with the side of herniation, is rarely reported to cause contralateral radiculopathy.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 53-year-old man presented to our hospital with left upper arm pain radiating to his left hand. On physical examination, there was hypesthesia in the left thumb, index, and middle finger. Muscle strength was 4 in the left arm and 5 in the other extremities. Hoffmann sign and Babinski's test were negative. The Spurling maneuver gave a positive result on the left side. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed right-sided disc herniation at C4-C5 and C5-C6. The patient received different kind of non-operative therapy but no obvious improvement was achieved. Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion were performed at C4-C5 and C5-C6. The patient reported resolution of all the symptoms immediately after surgery. The patient was followed up for 2 years without pain bothering.
CLINICAL DISCUSSION
Cervical disc herniation causing contralateral symptoms are extremely rare. When it comes to the pathophysiology of contralateral radiculopathy in cervical disc herniation, no definite conclusion can be given. When surgery is considered, any other possible diagnosis should be excluded, and physical examination should be performed carefully to confirm disc herniation is the origin of the pain.
CONCLUSION
Although extremely rare, cervical disc herniation may cause contralateral radiculopathy. If other diagnosis is excluded and cervical disc herniation is thought the only possible origin of the pain, surgery can be considered.
PubMed: 38574511
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.109401 -
PloS One 2024Lumbosacral radicular syndrome (LRS) is probably the most frequent neuropathic pain syndrome, exaggerating medical and economy burden on developing countries, such as... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
Transforaminal pulsed radiofrequency and epidural steroid injection on chronic lumbar radiculopathy: A prospective observational study from a tertiary care hospital in Vietnam.
BACKGROUND
Lumbosacral radicular syndrome (LRS) is probably the most frequent neuropathic pain syndrome, exaggerating medical and economy burden on developing countries, such as Vietnam. As a result, the urgence to find an approach which is both affordable and effective always puts great demand on medical researchers.
OBJECTIVES
Evaluate the effectiveness of transforaminal pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) stimulation on the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and epidural steroid injection (ESI) in management of chronic lumbosacral radiculopathy.
METHODS
Seventy-six patients with chronic radicular pain were performed transforaminal PRF + ESI by neurosurgeons. Demographic characteristics and surgical outcomes were recorded on admission, pre-procedural and post-procedural for 1-month, 3-month, 6-month and 12-month follow-up. Primary outcome was measured by using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI) and Straight Leg Raising Test (SLRT). Secondary outcome was subjectively collected based on short assessment of patients' satisfaction (SAPS).
RESULTS
Patients who received transforaminal PRF and ESI showed significant improvements on all three evaluation tools (VAS, ODI, SLRT), compared to that before treatment (p<0.001). Pain relief was achievable and long-lasting, which met patients' expectation. No significant complications were observed for 12 months follow-up.
CONCLUSION
Transforaminal PRF combined with ESI in management of lumbosacral radiculopathy should be a good method of choice for its effectiveness and safety in management of pain.
Topics: Humans; Radiculopathy; Pulsed Radiofrequency Treatment; Vietnam; Tertiary Care Centers; Treatment Outcome; Chronic Pain; Steroids
PubMed: 38573929
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292042 -
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders Apr 2024Radiculopathy of the lower limb after acute osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs) in the lower lumbar spine is uncommon in geriatric patients. Moreover, surgical...
Surgical management of lower limb radiculopathy following acute singe-level osteoporotic vertebral fracture of lower lumbar spine in geriatric patient: a retrospective study.
BACKGROUND
Radiculopathy of the lower limb after acute osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs) in the lower lumbar spine is uncommon in geriatric patients. Moreover, surgical intervention is generally recommended in patients who are irresponsive to conservative treatment. Determining an optimum surgical strategy is challenging considering the poor general condition of this population. Thus, herein, we established an algorithm for surgically managing this clinical scenario, hoping to provide a reference for making a surgical decision.
METHODS
We retrospectively studied patients who suffered from new-onset radiculopathy of the lower limb after acute single-level OVFs in the lower lumbar spine and eventually underwent surgical intervention at our department. Information on the demographics, bone quality, AO spine classification of the vertebral fracture, pre-existing degenerative changes, including foraminal stenosis and lumbar disc herniation, and surgical intervention type was collected. Additionally, clinical outcomes, including preoperative and postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) scores for back and leg pain, Oswestry disability index (ODI), and MacNab criterion for response to surgery, were evaluated.
RESULTS
From September 2019 to December 2021, a total of 22 patients with a mean age of 68.59 ± 9.74 years were analyzed. The most involved vertebra was L5 (54.5%), followed by L4 (27.3%) and L3 (18.2%). Among the 22 patients, 15 (68.2%) were diagnosed with the A1 type fracture of AO classification, and among them, 11 (73.3%) were characterized by the collapse of the inferior end plate (IEP). Three patients (13.6%) suffered from A2-type fractures, whereas four patients (18.2%) suffered from A3-type fractures. Pre-existing degenerative changes were observed in 12 patients (54.5%) of the patients. A total of 16 patients (72.7%) were treated by percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP). Additionally, three patients underwent posterior instrumentation and fusion, two patients underwent a secondary endoscopic foraminoplasty, and one patient underwent a secondary radiofrequency ablation. The mean follow-up period was 17.42 ± 9.62 months. The mean VAS scores for leg and back pain and ODI decreased significantly after the surgery (P < 0.05). The total satisfaction rate at the last follow-up was 90.9% per the Macnab criterion.
CONCLUSION
Patients with OVFs in the IEP are predisposed to suffer from radiculopathy of the lower limb. PKP alone or in combination with other minimally invasive surgical strategies is safe and effective in treating stable fractures. Additionally, aggressive surgical intervention should be considered in patients with unstable fractures or severe foraminal encroachment.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Spinal Fractures; Radiculopathy; Lumbar Vertebrae; Kyphoplasty; Leg; Osteoporotic Fractures; Treatment Outcome; Fractures, Compression
PubMed: 38570760
DOI: 10.1186/s12891-024-07314-3 -
Neurospine Mar 2024
Commentary on "Use of ChatGPT for Determining Clinical and Surgical Treatment of Lumbar Disc Herniation With Radiculopathy: A North American Spine Society Guideline Comparison".
PubMed: 38569641
DOI: 10.14245/ns.2448248.124 -
Journal of Spine Surgery (Hong Kong) Mar 2024Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is defined as compression of the spinal cord in the neck, resulting in problems with fine motor skills, hand numbness, pain or... (Review)
Review
Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is defined as compression of the spinal cord in the neck, resulting in problems with fine motor skills, hand numbness, pain or stiffness of the neck, and difficulty walking due to loss of balance. Brachial plexus (BP) neuropathies arise due to compression to any distal branches arising from C5-T1, whereas cervical radiculopathy involves compression at the nerve root in the neck. Such conditions can present with variable degrees of musculoskeletal pain, weakness, sensory changes, and reflex changes. The pronounced convergence in symptomatic manifestation within these conditions can pose a formidable challenge to clinicians, particularly in primary care. Thus, the primary objective of this paper is to enhance clarity and distinction among these pathological conditions. This objective is pursued through comprehensive delineation of the dermatomal and myotomal distributions characteristic of each condition. Furthermore, a meticulous examination is undertaken to elucidate physical indicators and maneuvers that exhibit a notably high sensitivity in detecting these conditions. Accurate diagnosis and treatment of each nerve pathology is important as long-term spinal cord compression and its roots may result in permanent disability and severely impact one's quality of life. As such, this systematic review serves as a guide that aids clinicians in differentiating the aforementioned conditions based on anatomy, physical exam findings, and imaging studies. Furthermore, this study aims to outline common peripheral nerve neuropathies in the upper extremities and ways to mitigate these pathologies using the least to most invasive treatment modalities.
PubMed: 38567008
DOI: 10.21037/jss-23-39 -
Journal of Spine Surgery (Hong Kong) Mar 2024The most commonly used cages for intervertebral disc replacement in lumbar fusion procedures are made predominantly from polyetheretherketone (PEEK). There is sufficient...
BACKGROUND
The most commonly used cages for intervertebral disc replacement in lumbar fusion procedures are made predominantly from polyetheretherketone (PEEK). There is sufficient data studying their subsidence and failure rates from a variety of approaches. A novel implant is now available for commercial use, 3D-printed porous titanium (3DppTi) alloy cages, which have recently become available for use in spinal procedures. They have been shown in ovine models to have superior efficacy and fusion rates compared to traditional cages. However, there is limited data on their use in clinical practice and long-term outcomes associated with them.
METHODS
A retrospective chart review was performed, of all patients in a single institution who underwent lumbar spine fusion surgery via an anterior or lateral approach with a 3D-printed titanium alloy cage, between January 2020 and February 2021. Clinic letters, imaging and operation reports were independently reviewed to assess for fusion, or evidence of subsidence on follow-up.
RESULTS
Fifty patients were identified as meeting inclusion criteria, with a total of 66 operative levels. Of these operative levels, 32 were via an anterior approach and 34 via a lateral approach. One patient demonstrated a Marchi grade 0 subsidence, with recurrence of radiculopathy 2 months after an anterior approach, requiring posterior decompression and stabilization. A second patient demonstrated a Marchi grade 1 subsidence after a lateral approach, but did not require further surgery as they were asymptomatic at 2 years of follow-up. This study demonstrated an overall subsidence rate of 3.03%. There was a median follow-up time of 11.3 months for all patients.
CONCLUSIONS
3D-printed titanium alloy cages demonstrate a lower subsidence rate compared to historically published rates for alternative intervertebral cages, in anterior and lateral lumbar spine fusion surgery.
PubMed: 38567003
DOI: 10.21037/jss-23-120 -
Cureus Mar 2024Pyogenic spinal infections (PSI) have an incidence of 0.5-2.2 cases per 100,000 population, though diagnosis can be delayed by up to three months. The incidence of...
Pyogenic spinal infections (PSI) have an incidence of 0.5-2.2 cases per 100,000 population, though diagnosis can be delayed by up to three months. The incidence of bacteremia is rare, occurring in 0.22-0.34 cases per 100,000 population, whilst its implication in spinal infections is rarer still. A man in his 60s with a background of chronic lower back pain presented to the emergency department with a two-week history of worsening back pain associated with fever and difficulty voiding. He was initially managed as pyelonephritis due to the recent history of urinary tract infection (UTI) with fever and flank pain. However, there were radiculopathy and bilateral pain on hip flexion with reduced power on the right side. The light-touch sensation was reduced over the right hallux and distal L4 dermatome. These neurological deficits associated with deranged infective markers made a diagnosis of discitis plausible. Discitis and native vertebral osteomyelitis (NVO) should be suspected in patients reporting a fever and back pain of recent onset or increasing in severity. Once discitis was confirmed, the patient was subsequently tested for tuberculosis (TB) using a T-SPOT, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus, with no positive findings, but in the days following, blood cultures yielded . Guided by knowing the natural reservoirs in the body, establishing the source of could be achieved through head and neck imaging and investigating the gastrointestinal tract for malignant or inflammatory processes.
PubMed: 38562315
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.55306 -
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders Apr 2024Transforaminal epidural injections with steroids (TESI) are increasingly being used in patients sciatica. The STAR (steroids against radiculopathy)-trial aimed to... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Transforaminal epidural injections with steroids (TESI) are increasingly being used in patients sciatica. The STAR (steroids against radiculopathy)-trial aimed to evaluate the (cost-) effectiveness of TESI in patients with acute sciatica (< 8 weeks). This article contains the economic evaluation of the STAR-trial.
METHODS
Participants were randomized to one of three study arms: Usual Care (UC), that is oral pain medication with or without physiotherapy, n = 45); intervention group 1: UC and transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TESI) 1 ml of 0.5% Levobupivacaine and 1 ml of 40 mg/ml Methylprednisolone and intervention group 2: UC and transforaminal epidural injection (TEI) with 1 ml of 0,5% Levobupivacaine and 1 ml of 0.9% NaCl (n = 50). The primary effect measure was health-related quality of life. Secondary outcomes were pain, functioning, and recovery. Costs were measured from a societal perspective, meaning that all costs were included, irrespective of who paid or benefited. Missing data were imputed using multiple imputation, and bootstrapping was used to estimate statistical uncertainty.
RESULTS
None of the between-group differences in effects were statistically significant for any of the outcomes (QALY, back pain, leg pain, functioning, and global perceived effect) at the 26-weeks follow-up. The adjusted mean difference in total societal costs was €1718 (95% confidence interval [CI]: - 3020 to 6052) for comparison 1 (intervention group 1 versus usual care), €1640 (95%CI: - 3354 to 6106) for comparison 2 (intervention group 1 versus intervention group 2), and €770 (95%CI: - 3758 to 5702) for comparison 3 (intervention group 2 versus usual care). Except for the intervention costs, none of the aggregate and disaggregate cost differences were statistically significant. The maximum probability of all interventions being cost-effective compared to the control was low (< 0.7) for all effect measures.
CONCLUSION
These results suggest that adding TESI (or TEI) to usual care is not cost-effective compared to usual care in patients with acute sciatica (< 8 weeks) from a societal perspective in a Dutch healthcare setting.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
Dutch National trial register: NTR4457 (March, 6th, 2014).
Topics: Humans; Sciatica; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Levobupivacaine; Intervertebral Disc Displacement; Quality of Life; Back Pain; Steroids; Injections, Epidural
PubMed: 38561748
DOI: 10.1186/s12891-024-07366-5