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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It is questionable whether an annular tear (AT) is a predictor for accelerated degeneration of the intervertebral discs. The aim of the present study was to answer this question via a matched case-control study design that reliably eliminates potential confounders. ⋯ Discs with a Pfirrmann grade >2 with an AT, defined by a hyperintense signal intensity on MRI, are not prone to accelerated degeneration if compared to discs without an AT. Therefore, the presence of an AT per se does not predict accelerated disc degeneration.
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Meta Analysis Comparative Study
The comparison of instrumented and non-instrumented fusion in the treatment of lumbar spondylolisthesis: a meta-analysis.
This meta-analysis compared whether fusion with or without instrumentation to treat this disease differed with respect to patient-centered outcomes. ⋯ Not applicable.
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The natural history of motor deficit due to lumbar disc herniation has been thought to be favourable. However, on closer analysis of seminal articles on this topic, this is not the case for patients with severe motor deficits (MRC grade ≤3). The aim of this study is to answer the following questions: (1) Is surgical intervention beneficial in patients with severe motor weakness (defined by MRC grade of 3 or less) due to herniated lumbar nucleus pulposus? (2) Does time to surgery from onset of motor weakness influence the outcome? (3) Are there any other prognostic factors? ⋯ The current available evidence is not robust enough to address the questions posed. We have proposed a framework for future studies.