Articles: low-back-pain.
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The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance and safety of a new hernia blocking system (HBS), implanted after a limited discectomy, to prevent recurrence of lumbar disc herniation. ⋯ The implantation of an HBS is a feasible and safe procedure that prevents early disc herniation recurrence in patients at high risk of reherniation.
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We used a scoping review design to map the available evidence describing the use of reassurance in clinical practice, interventions to increase the delivery of reassurance, and reassurance-related outcome measures. We searched CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Central from inception to October 2024. Publications were included if they described the use of reassurance or reassurance-related outcome measures in patients with non-specific low back pain (LBP) presenting to primary care. ⋯ PERSPECTIVE: This review maps the available evidence describing how patient reassurance is used and assessed in the management of low back pain. There is limited assessment of the effectiveness of reassurance interventions. Reassurance is rarely the primary component of interventions and there are no validated measures to directly assess patient reassurance.
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The Core Outcome Measures Index (COMI) is a short, multidimensional instrument translated into several languages that covers five domains recommended in the assessment of outcome in patients with low-back and neck pain. The purpose of this study was to cross-culturally adapt the COMI from English to Czech language and to test the face and construct validity and reproducibility of its results in patients with low-back and neck pain. ⋯ The Czech COMI shows acceptable properties and is thus suitable to use as a short instrument for measuring important domains in patients with low-back and neck pain.
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Clinical practices vary between healthcare providers when it comes to asking for a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) during follow-up for chronic low-back pain (LBP). The association between progressive changes on the MRI and the clinical relevance of these findings is not clearly defined. The objective of our study is to investigate to what extent do MRI findings change during a period less than or equal to two years in patients with chronic LBP. We question the efficacy of its routinary use as a tool for follow-up and we also study the correlation between new changes on MRI and modifications in therapeutic attitude. ⋯ The rate of lumbar MRI has risen to an alarming pace without evidence of consequent improvements in patient outcomes. A significant number of repeated MRIs did not show radiological changes, nor did they give rise to further surgical treatment after obtaining these images. This study should help to review the real applications of clinical guides on the appropriate use for image tests.
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There have been at least 7 separate randomised controlled trials published between 2011 and 2023 that have examined primary care for nonspecific low back pain informed by the STarT Back approach to stratified care based on risk prediction, compared with care not informed by this approach. The results, across 4 countries, have been contrasting-some demonstrating effectiveness and/or efficiency of this approach, others finding no benefits over comparison interventions. ⋯ Rather, the learning thus far suggests that challenges in implementing stratified care in clinical practice and in changing professional practice largely explain the contrasting trial results. The review makes recommendations for future research, including greater focus on studying facilitators of implementation of stratified care and developing better treatments for patients with nonspecific low back pain at high risk of poor outcomes.