European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Comparison of a biopsychosocial therapy (BT) with a conventional biomedical therapy (MT) of subacute low back pain in the first episode of sick leave: a randomized controlled trial.
This randomized controlled clinical trial compares the effectiveness of a biopsychosocial treatment with a solely conventional biomedical therapy in patients with subacute low back pain using parameters for pain intensity, functional status, depressive dysfunction and work performance. Sixty-four patients with a first-time sick leave between 3 and 12 weeks due to low back pain were randomly assigned to either a conventional biomedical therapy (MT; n=33) group, or a biopsychosocial therapy (BT; n=31) group including a psychotherapeutic module; both in accordance with a standardized 3 weeks inpatient treatment. ⋯ During the 2-year period after therapy, 10% in MT and 59% in BT required no further sick leave due to low back pain. The results of the study indicate that a psychotherapeutic element in the treatment of low back pain appears to positively influence pain, functional status and work performance when conducted at an early stage of chronification and helps in the achievement of a better outcome.
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Comparative Study
Effectiveness of the Providence nighttime bracing in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a comparative study of 36 female patients.
The aim of the study was to assess the results of treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) with the Providence nighttime brace at 1.8 years after discontinuation of bracing. A total of 36 consecutive female patients with an average Cobb angle of 28.4 degrees and an apex below T 10 were studied prospectively. ⋯ In the control group of the Boston full-time brace patients, brace correction was 50% and the progression of the major curve occurred in 22% of the patients. We conclude that the Providence night brace may be recommended for the treatment of AIS with curves less than 35 degrees in lumbar and thoracolumbar cases.
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Image intensifier (C-arm) guided facet infiltration of a mixture of long acting local anaesthetic and corticosteroid is a safe and effective office procedure for cervical spondylosis. Visualisation of lower cervical anatomy using C-arm may not always be possible due to the shadow cast by the shoulders. We describe the successful adaptation of swimmer's view in such cases to carry out the injections.