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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Clinical Trial
Diagnostic validity of somatosensory evoked potentials in subgroups of patients with sciatica.
The diagnostic utility of scalp-recorded somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP) in patients with sciatica has generally been regarded as low. The purpose of the present study was to determine the validity of sensory nerve SEP in different subgroups of sciatic patients. A total of 65 consecutive patients with sciatica showing disc pathology and/or facet joint hypertrophy on lumbar computed tomography (CT) and/or myelography were studied. ⋯ Diagnostic validity was not influenced by previous episodes of sciatica, the duration of the present episode, or the number of spinal levels with ipsilateral myelographically compressed nerve roots. Pathological SEP strongly indicate sensory radiculopathy in patients with sciatica. Diagnostic efficacy is higher in patients with facet joint hypertrophy than in patients with disc pathology only and highest when the sciatic symptoms are present during registration.
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The Adams classification for discogram morphology is based on a cadaveric study. It provides the basis for several subsequent classifications proposed in the literature. However, little or no attention has been paid to its reproducibility in the clinical setting. ⋯ Both inter- and intra-observer agreements were excellent (kappa= 0.77-0.85). The Adams grading system for discogram morphology is consistently reproducible amongst observers with differing levels of experience. It can be safely recommended in the clinical setting as a reliable classification.
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The present study was carried out to examine possible mechanisms of back muscle dysfunction by assessing a stabilising and a torque-producing back muscle, the multifidus (MF) and the iliocostalis lumborum pars thoracis (ICLT), respectively, in order to identify whether back pain patients showed altered recruitment patterns during different types of exercise. In a group of healthy subjects (n=77) and patients with sub-acute (n=24) and chronic (51) low back pain, the normalised electromyographic (EMG) activity of the MF and the ICLT (as a percentage of maximal voluntary contraction) were analysed during coordination, stabilisation and strength exercises. The results showed that, in comparison with the healthy subjects, the chronic low back pain patients displayed significantly lower (P=0.013) EMG activity of the MF during the coordination exercises, indicating that, over the long term, back pain patients have a reduced capacity to voluntarily recruit the MF in order to obtain a neutral lordosis. ⋯ During the strength exercises, the normalised activity of both back muscles was significantly lower in chronic low back pain patients (P=0.017 and 0.003 for the MF and ICLT, respectively) than in healthy controls. Pain, pain avoidance and deconditioning may have contributed to these lower levels of EMG activity during intensive back muscle contraction. The possible dysfunction of the MF during coordination exercises and the altered activity of both muscles during strength exercises may be of importance in symptom generation, recurrence or maintenance of low back pain.
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Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical Trial
Cramp finding: can it be used as a new diagnostic and prognostic factor in lumbar disc surgery?
In this prospective study, the validity and the importance of a new finding (cramp finding) in the diagnosis and outcome after lumbar disc surgery were tested. The test is performed with the person in prone position. Against a forceful knee flexion, the examiner holds the leg with one hand and applies a force to overcome the knee flexion. ⋯ Cramp finding was positive in 70%, 52%, 34%, and 8% of patients postoperatively in the first, 3rd, 12th and 24th months, respectively. The presented finding appears to be as valuable as the SLR, and especially contralateral SLR, tests in lumbar disc surgery. Cramp finding is also important in outcome evaluation.
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A prospective analysis of the sagittal profile of 100 healthy young adult volunteers was carried out in order to evaluate the relationship between the shape of the pelvis and lumbar lordosis and to create a databank of the morphologic and positional parameters of the pelvis and spine in a normal healthy population. Inclusion criteria were as follows: no previous spinal surgery, no low back pain, no lower limb length inequality, no scoliotic deviation. For each subject, a 30 x 90-cm sagittal radiograph including spine, pelvis and proximal femurs in standing position on a force plate was performed. ⋯ We found a statistical correlation between incidence angle and lumbar lordosis (r=0.69, P<0.001) and between sacral slope angle and lumbar lordosis (r=0.75, P<0.001). Spine and pelvis balance around the hip axis in order to position the gravity line over the femoral heads. We propose a scheme of sagittal balance of the standing human body.