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BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders Feb 2017Lumbar radiculopathy remains a clinical challenge among primary care clinicians in both assessment and diagnosis. This often leads to misdiagnosis and inappropriate... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Lumbar radiculopathy remains a clinical challenge among primary care clinicians in both assessment and diagnosis. This often leads to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment of patients resulting in poor health outcomes, exacerbating this already debilitating condition. This review evaluated 12 primary diagnostic accuracy studies that specifically assessed the performance of various individual and grouped clinical neurological tests in detecting nerve root impingement, as established in the current literature.
METHODS
Eight electronic data bases were searched for relevant articles from inception until July 2016. All primary diagnostic studies which investigated the accuracy of clinical neurological test (s) in diagnosing lumbar radiculopathy among patients with low back and referred leg symptoms were screened for inclusion. Qualifying studies were retrieved and independently assessed for methodological quality using the 'Quality Assessment of Diagnostic tests Accuracy Studies' criteria.
RESULTS
A total of 12 studies which investigated standard components of clinical neurological examination of (sensory, motor, tendon reflex and neuro-dynamics) of the lumbo-sacral spine were included. The mean inter-observer agreement on quality assessment by two independent reviewers was fair (k = 0.3 - 0.7). The diagnostic performance of sensory testing using MR imaging as a reference standard demonstrated a sensitivity (confidence interval 95%) 0.61 (0.47-0.73) and a specificity of 0.63 (0.38-0.84). Motor tests sensitivity was poor to moderate, ranging from 0.13 (0.04-0.31) to 0.61 (0.36-0.83). Generally, the diagnostic performance of reflex testing was notably good with specificity ranging from (confidence interval 95%) 0.60 (0.51-0.69) to 0.93 (0.87-0.97) and sensitivity ranging from 0.14 (0.09-0.21) to 0.67 (0.21-0.94). Femoral nerve stretch test had a high sensitivity of (confidence interval 95%) 1.00 (0.40-1.00) and specificity of 0.83 (0.52-0.98) while SLR test recorded a mean sensitivity of 0.84 (0.72-0.92) and specificity of 0.78 (0.67-0.87).
CONCLUSIONS
There is a scarcity of studies on the diagnostic accuracy of clinical neurological examination testing. Furthermore there seem to be a disconnect among researchers regarding the diagnostic utility of lower limb neuro-dynamic tests which include the Straight Leg Raise and Femoral Nerve tests for sciatic and femoral nerve respectively. Whether these tests are able to detect the presence of disc herniation and subsequent nerve root compression or hyper-sensitivity of the sacral and femoral plexus due to mechanical irritation still remains debatable.
Topics: Humans; Intervertebral Disc Degeneration; Intervertebral Disc Displacement; Low Back Pain; Lumbar Vertebrae; Neurologic Examination; Radiculopathy; Sacrum
PubMed: 28231784
DOI: 10.1186/s12891-016-1383-2 -
Medicine Jan 2020The pathogenesis of cervical spondylotic is degenerative changes of the cervical intervertebral disc, or bone hyperplasia of the posterior and hook joints, and...
BACKGROUND
The pathogenesis of cervical spondylotic is degenerative changes of the cervical intervertebral disc, or bone hyperplasia of the posterior and hook joints, and instability of the joints of the cervical vertebrae. It causes the nerve roots to be stimulated and oppressed. The clinical manifestations are the sensation, movement, and reflex disorder of the cervical spinal nerve roots that are stimulated and oppressed, especially the numbness and pain of the neck, shoulders, upper limbs, and fingers. In this systematic review, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture and chiropractic in the treatment of cervical spondylotic.
METHODS AND ANALYSIS
We will search for PubMed, Cochrane Library, AMED, Embase, WorldSciNet; Nature, Science online and China Journal Full-text Database (CNKI), China Biomedical Literature CD-ROM Database (CBM), and related randomized controlled trials included in the China Resources Database. The time is limited from the construction of the library to September 2019. We will use the criteria provided by Cochrane 5.1.0 for quality assessment and risk assessment of the included studies, and use the RevMan 5.3 and Stata 13.0 software for meta-analysis of the effectiveness, recurrence rate, and symptom scores of cervical spondylotic.
ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION
This systematic review will evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture and chiropractic for cervical spondylotic. Because all of the data used in this systematic review and meta-analysis have been published, this review does not require ethical approval. Furthermore, all data will be analyzed anonymously during the review process trial.
Topics: Humans; Acupuncture Therapy; Manipulation, Chiropractic; Radiculopathy; Spondylosis; Meta-Analysis as Topic; Systematic Reviews as Topic
PubMed: 32000386
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000018851 -
European Spine Journal : Official... Mar 2007Clinical provocative tests of the neck, which position the neck and arm inorder to aggravate or relieve arm symptoms, are commonly used in clinical practice in patients... (Review)
Review
Clinical provocative tests of the neck, which position the neck and arm inorder to aggravate or relieve arm symptoms, are commonly used in clinical practice in patients with a suspected cervical radiculopathy. Their diagnostic accuracy, however, has never been examined in a systematic review. A comprehensive search was conducted in order to identify all possible studies fulfilling the inclusion criteria. A study was included if: (1) any provocative test of the neck for diagnosing cervical radiculopathy was identified; (2) any reference standard was used; (3) sensitivity and specificity were reported or could be (re-)calculated; and, (4) the publication was a full report. Two reviewers independently selected studies, and assessed methodological quality. Only six studies met the inclusion criteria, which evaluated five provocative tests. In general, Spurling's test demonstrated low to moderate sensitivity and high specificity, as did traction/neck distraction, and Valsalva's maneuver. The upper limb tension test (ULTT) demonstrated high sensitivity and low specificity, while the shoulder abduction test demonstrated low to moderate sensitivity and moderate to high specificity. Common methodological flaws included lack of an optimal reference standard, disease progression bias, spectrum bias, and review bias. Limitations include few primary studies, substantial heterogeneity, and numerous methodological flaws among the studies; therefore, a meta-analysis was not conducted. This review suggests that, when consistent with the history and other physical findings, a positive Spurling's, traction/neck distraction, and Valsalva's might be indicative of a cervical radiculopathy, while a negative ULTT might be used to rule it out. However, the lack of evidence precludes any firm conclusions regarding their diagnostic value, especially when used in primary care. More high quality studies are necessary in order to resolve this issue.
Topics: Diagnostic Tests, Routine; Humans; Prognosis; Radiculopathy; Reference Standards; Sensitivity and Specificity
PubMed: 17013656
DOI: 10.1007/s00586-006-0225-6 -
Reumatologia Clinica 2017Calf pseudohypertrophy due to radiculopathy is an exceptional phenomenon rarely described. We report a 67 year old woman with a previous history of lumbar disc surgery...
Calf pseudohypertrophy due to radiculopathy is an exceptional phenomenon rarely described. We report a 67 year old woman with a previous history of lumbar disc surgery consulting by progressive increase for more than a year of evolution painless right calf associated loss of strength. Electromyographic findings showed chronic S1 radiculopathy and radiologically was appreciated in the medial gastrocnemius and soleus rights substitution of normal muscle tissue by adipose tissue without evidence of myopathy or sarcomatous degeneration.
Topics: Aged; Female; Humans; Hypertrophy; Leg; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Muscle, Skeletal; Muscular Diseases; Radiculopathy
PubMed: 27101742
DOI: 10.1016/j.reuma.2016.02.012 -
Seminars in Musculoskeletal Radiology Apr 2022Neuropathic symptoms involving the wrist are a common clinical presentation that can be due to a variety of causes. Imaging plays a key role in differentiating distal... (Review)
Review
Neuropathic symptoms involving the wrist are a common clinical presentation that can be due to a variety of causes. Imaging plays a key role in differentiating distal nerve lesions in the wrist from more proximal nerve abnormalities such as a cervical radiculopathy or brachial plexopathy. Imaging complements electrodiagnostic testing by helping define the specific lesion site and by providing anatomical information to guide surgical planning. This article reviews nerve anatomy, normal and abnormal findings on ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging, and common and uncommon causes of neuropathy.
Topics: Brachial Plexus Neuropathies; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Radiculopathy; Upper Extremity; Wrist; Wrist Joint
PubMed: 35609575
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1742393 -
International Journal of Environmental... Sep 2020Lumbar radiculopathy is a nerve root disorder whose correct diagnosis is essential. The objective of the present study was to analyze the reliability diagnostic validity...
BACKGROUND
Lumbar radiculopathy is a nerve root disorder whose correct diagnosis is essential. The objective of the present study was to analyze the reliability diagnostic validity of eight neurodynamic and/or orthopedic tension tests using magnetic resonance imaging as the Gold Standard.
METHODS
An epidemiological study of randomized consecutive cases which was observational, descriptive, transversal, double blinded and was conducted following the Standards for Reporting Diagnostic accuracy studies (STARD) declaration. The sample size was 864 participants. Internal and external validity (CI = 95%) and reliability, were calculated for all tests performed independently. The diagnostic validity of the combined and multiple tests in parallel was also calculated.
RESULTS
The analysis indicated that only two tests performed independently had external validity, but neither had reliability or precision. The Straight Leg Raise test and the Bragard test performed in a multiple parallel way showed high sensitivity (97,40%), high negative predictive value (PV- 96,64%) and external validity (Likelihood Ratio- 0,05). The combined test of the Slump test and the Dejerine's triad had internal and external validity.
CONCLUSIONS
The Straight Leg Raise test and the Bragard test performed in a multiple parallel way and the combined test of the Slump Test and the Dejerine's triad have clinical validity to discard lumbar or lumbar-sacral radiculopathy.
Topics: Exercise Test; Female; Humans; Low Back Pain; Lumbar Vertebrae; Lumbosacral Region; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Neurologic Examination; Physical Examination; Radiculopathy; Reproducibility of Results; Sensitivity and Specificity; Spinal Nerve Roots
PubMed: 32993094
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17197046 -
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation... Aug 2011With regards to spinal disorders, neck pain is one of the most common presenting symptoms, only second to low back pain. When pain radiates down the arm and is... (Review)
Review
With regards to spinal disorders, neck pain is one of the most common presenting symptoms, only second to low back pain. When pain radiates down the arm and is associated with sensory and motor disturbances, cervical radiculopathy is suspected.
Topics: Electromyography; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Neck Pain; Physical Examination; Radiculopathy
PubMed: 21824585
DOI: 10.1016/j.pmr.2011.02.013 -
Lakartidningen Jan 2023The field of spinal neurosurgery covers degenerative conditions and trauma as well as tumors, malformations and vascular disorders of spine and spinal cord. This article...
The field of spinal neurosurgery covers degenerative conditions and trauma as well as tumors, malformations and vascular disorders of spine and spinal cord. This article focuses on the Swedish spinal neurosurgical care regarding radiculopathy and myelopathy. Disc herniation, foraminal stenosis, spinal stenosis and spinal cord compression due to degenerative disorders or tumors are discussed. Treatment options such as anterior cervical decompression and fusion, posterior forami-notomy, laminectomy and approaches to spinal intradural tumors are briefly presented. The aim is to present symptoms, diagnostics and treatment options of common conditions to facilitate early detection and referral to neurosurgical centers to avoid delayed dia-gnosis and neurological impairment.
Topics: Humans; Radiculopathy; Neurosurgery; Cervical Vertebrae; Spinal Cord Diseases; Spinal Cord Compression; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 36695198
DOI: No ID Found -
Neurologia Medico-chirurgica Jun 2022This study compared the outcomes of microendoscopy-assisted lumbar interbody fusion (ME-LIF) and uniportal full-endoscopic laminectomy (FEL) for L5 radiculopathy caused...
This study compared the outcomes of microendoscopy-assisted lumbar interbody fusion (ME-LIF) and uniportal full-endoscopic laminectomy (FEL) for L5 radiculopathy caused by lumbar foraminal stenosis (LFS). ME-LIF was performed using an 18- to 20-mm tubular retractor and endoscope, and FEL via the translaminar approach (TLA) was performed at the dorsal part of the foramen using a 4.1-mm working channel endoscope. Patients with LFS treated using ME-LIF (n = 39) or FEL-TLA (n = 30) were retrospectively evaluated. Patients' background and operative data were collected. The 36-item Short Form Survey (SF-36), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and European Quality of Life-5 Dimension (EQ-5D) scores were recorded preoperatively and 2 years postoperatively. The background data of the two groups (ME-LIF and FEL-TLA) were similar. The mean operation times for ME-LIF and FEL-TLA were 110.7 and 65.2 min, respectively, and the mean length of hospital stay were 10.3 and 1.5 days, respectively. Reoperation was required for surgical site infection, and percutaneous pedicle screw malposition in three patients was treated using ME-LIF. During follow-up, second FEL-TLA and LIF were performed for recurrent L5 radiculopathy in one and three patients in the FEL-TLA group, respectively. Although the SF-36, ODI, and EQ-5D scores 2 years postoperatively improved in both groups, improvement in ODI scores was lower following FEL-TLA than following ME-LIF. FEL-TLA can be performed to treat patients with L5 radiculopathy caused by LFS. Although the ODI score improvement following FEL-TLA was unremarkable, FEL-TLA might be considered because of its better safety profile and minimal invasiveness than ME-LIF.
Topics: Constriction, Pathologic; Humans; Laminectomy; Lumbar Vertebrae; Quality of Life; Radiculopathy; Retrospective Studies; Spinal Fusion; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 35545503
DOI: 10.2176/jns-nmc.2021-0381 -
European Spine Journal : Official... Feb 2000Indications and timing of surgical treatment for cervical radiculopathy and myelopathy, and the long-term results for the conditions, were reviewed. Advances in spinal... (Review)
Review
Indications and timing of surgical treatment for cervical radiculopathy and myelopathy, and the long-term results for the conditions, were reviewed. Advances in spinal imaging and accumulation of clinical experience have provided some clues as to indications and timing of surgery for cervical myelopathy. Duration of myelopathy prior to surgery and the transverse area of the spinal cord at the maximum compression level were the most significant prognostic parameters for surgical outcome. Thus, when myelopathy is caused by etiological factors that are either unchangeable by nature, such as developmental canal stenosis, or progressive, such as ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament, surgical treatment should be considered. When an etiology of myelopathy is remissible, such as soft disc herniation and listhesis, surgery may be reserved until the effects of conservative treatment are confirmed. When surgery is properly carried out, long-term surgical results are expected to be good and stable, and the natural course of myelopathy secondary to cervical spondylosis may be modified. However, little attention has been paid to the questions "When and what can surgery contribute to treatment of cervical radiculopathy?". A well-controlled clinical study including natural history should be done to provide some answers.
Topics: Cervical Vertebrae; Humans; Nerve Compression Syndromes; Orthopedic Procedures; Radiculopathy; Spinal Nerve Roots; Time Factors
PubMed: 10766070
DOI: 10.1007/s005860050001