Journal of orthopaedic science : official journal of the Japanese Orthopaedic Association
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Multicenter Study
An outcome measure for patients with cervical myelopathy: Japanese Orthopaedic Association Cervical Myelopathy Evaluation Questionnaire (JOACMEQ): Part 1.
An outcome measure to evaluate the neurological function of cervical myelopathy was proposed by the Japanese Orthopaedic Association in 1975 (JOA score), and has been widely used in Japan. However, the JOA score does not include patients' satisfaction, disability, handicaps, or general health, which can be affected by cervical myelopathy. The purpose of this study was to develop a new outcome measure for patients with cervical myelopathy. ⋯ Twenty-four questions remained as candidates for the final questionnaire. This new self-administered questionnaire might be used to evaluate the outcomes in patients with cervical myelopathy more efficiently.
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The sacroiliac joint (SIJ) can be a source of low back pain. Previous studies indicated that SIJ pain could originate from both the joint capsule and the posterior ligamentous tissues. It has not been clarified as to whether an intraarticular or periarticular injection procedure is more effective for this type of pain. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of two injection procedures prospectively. ⋯ For patients with SIJ pain, periarticular injection is more effective and easier to perform than the intraarticular injection and should be tried initially.
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Lumbar facet joint tissue has inflammatory cytokines. However, no reports have shown whether inflammatory cytokines in the facet joint leads to pain. This study was designed to characterize the correlation between inflammatory cytokines released from facet joint tissue and symptoms in degenerative lumbar spinal disorders. The purpose of this study was to seek involvement of inflammatory facet joint for radiculopathy in lumbar spinal canal stenosis with clinical and anatomical studies. ⋯ IL-1beta in facet joint cartilage in LSCS was associated with leg pain and a decline of quality of life. Inflammatory cytokines produced in degenerated facet joint may leak into the intraspinal space through the lateral part of the ventral facet joint capsule. These results suggest the involvement of inflammatory cytokines in degenerated lumbar facet joints regarding the genesis of pain production.