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Zhang C, Guo LX. Prediction of the biomechanical behaviour of the lumbar spine under multi-axis whole-body vibration using a whole-body finite element model. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2023; 39:e3764. [PMID: 37539646 DOI: 10.1002/cnm.3764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Low back pain has been reported to have a high prevalence among occupational drivers. Whole-body vibration during the driving environment has been found to be a possible factor leading to low back pain. Vibration loads might lead to degeneration and herniation of the intervertebral disc, which would increase incidence of low back problems among drivers. Some previous studies have reported the effects of whole-body vibration on the human body, but studies on the internal dynamic responses of the lumbar spine under multi-axis vibration are limited. In this study, the internal biomechanical response of the intervertebral disc was extracted to investigate the biomechanical behaviour of the lumbar spine under a multi-axial vibration in a whole-body environment. A whole-body finite element model, including skin, soft tissues, the bone skeleton, internal organs and a detailed ligamentous lumbar spine, was used to provide a whole-body condition for analyses. The results showed that both vibrations close to vertical and fore-and-aft resonance frequencies would increase the transmission of vibrations in the intervertebral disc, and vertical vibration might have a greater effect on the lumbar spine than fore-and-aft vibration. The larger deformation of the posterior region of the intervertebral disc in a multi-axis vibration environment might contribute to the higher susceptibility of the posterior region of the intervertebral disc to injury. The findings of this study revealed the dynamic behaviours of the lumbar spine in multi-axis vehicle vibration conditions, and suggested that both vertical and fore-and-aft vibration should be considered for protecting the lumbar health of occupational drivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Zhang
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Li-Xin Guo
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
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Yang L, Li W, Yang Y, Zhao H, Yu X. The correlation between the lumbar disc MRI high-intensity zone and discogenic low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Orthop Surg Res 2023; 18:758. [PMID: 37805519 PMCID: PMC10559531 DOI: 10.1186/s13018-023-04187-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the correlation between the MRI high-intensity zone (HIZ) and the pathogenesis of discogenic low back pain. METHODS Literature from PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, China Knowledge Network, Wanfang Database, and China Biomedical Literature Database was searched until August 2023. Cohort studies including patients with low back pain who underwent lumbar spine MRI and discography, as well as the results evaluating the correlation between HIZ and discography for morphological changes in the disc and pain replication phenomena, were included in the analysis. The literature that met the inclusion criteria was screened, and the methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated. Meta-analysis of the extracted data was performed by using RevMan 5.1.1. RESULTS In total, 28 reports were included in this meta-analysis. There was a statistically significant correlation between a positive HIZ and abnormal disc morphology in discography (OR 28.15, 95% CI [7.38, 107.46], p < 0.00001). Patients with HIZ-positive discs had a significantly higher incidence of consistent pain (71.0%, 969/1365) than those with HIZ-negative imaging (29.0%, 1314/4524) (OR 7.71, 95% CI [5.29, 11.23], p < 0.00001).Segments that were HIZ-positive and had abnormal disc morphology had a higher incidence of consistent pain (86.1%, 230/267) than HIZ-negative subjects (32.2%, 75/233) (OR 14.09, 95% CI [2.12, 93.48], p = 0.006). CONCLUSION A positive MRI T2-weighted image of the lumbar disc with HIZ indicates disc degeneration. In addition, HIZ may be a specific indicator for the physical diagnosis of discogenic low back pain. A more advanced degree of disc degeneration on the basis of HIZ positivity corresponded to a greater probability of discography-induced consistent pain, whereas the degree of disc degeneration on the basis of HIZ negativity was less correlated with contrast-induced consistent pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Yang
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Wenhao Li
- Department of Orthopedics III, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 5 Haiyun Warehouse, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Yongdong Yang
- Department of Orthopedics III, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 5 Haiyun Warehouse, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - He Zhao
- Department of Orthopedics III, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 5 Haiyun Warehouse, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Xing Yu
- Department of Orthopedics III, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 5 Haiyun Warehouse, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100700, China.
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Han CS, Hancock MJ, Sharma S, Sharma S, Harris IA, Cohen SP, Magnussen J, Maher CG, Traeger AC. Low back pain of disc, sacroiliac joint, or facet joint origin: a diagnostic accuracy systematic review. EClinicalMedicine 2023; 59:101960. [PMID: 37096189 PMCID: PMC10121397 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.101960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The accuracy of diagnostic tests available in primary care to identify the disc, sacroiliac joint, and facet joint as the source of low back pain is uncertain. Methods Systematic review of diagnostic tests available in primary care. MEDLINE, CINAHL, and EMBASE were searched between March 2006 and 25th January 2023. Pairs of reviewers independently screened all studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias using QUADAS-2. Pooling was performed for homogenous studies. Positive likelihood ratios (+LR) ≥2 and negative likelihood ratios (-LR) ≤0.5 were considered informative. This review is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020169828). Findings We included 62 studies: 35 investigated the disc, 14 the facet joint, 11 the sacroiliac joint, and 2 investigated all three structures in patients with persistent low back pain. For risk of bias, the domain 'reference standard' scored worst, however approximately half the studies were of low risk of bias for every other domain. For the disc, pooling demonstrated MRI findings of disc degeneration and annular fissure resulted in informative +LRs: 2.53 (95% CI: 1.57-4.07) and 2.88 (95% CI: 2.02-4.10) and -LRs: 0.15 (95% CI: 0.09-0.24) and 0.24 (95% CI: 0.10-0.55) respectively. Pooled results for Modic type 1, Modic type 2, and HIZ on MRI, and centralisation phenomenon yielded informative +LRs: 10.00 (95% CI: 4.20-23.82), 8.03 (95% CI: 3.23-19.97), 3.10 (95% CI: 2.27-4.25), and 3.06 (95% CI: 1.44-6.50) respectively, but uninformative -LRs: 0.84 (95% CI: 0.74-0.96), 0.88 (95% CI: 0.80-0.96), 0.61 (95% CI: 0.48-0.77), and 0.66 (95% CI: 0.52-0.84) respectively. For the facet joint, pooling demonstrated facet joint uptake on SPECT resulted in informative +LRs: 2.80 (95% CI: 1.82-4.31) and -LRs: 0.44 (95% CI: 0.25-0.77). For the sacroiliac joint, a combination of pain provocation tests and absence of midline low back pain resulted in informative +LRs of 2.41 (95% CI: 1.89-3.07) and 2.44 (95% CI: 1.50-3.98) and -LRs of 0.35 (95% CI: 0.12-1.01) and 0.31 (95% CI: 0.21-0.47) respectively. Radionuclide imaging yielded an informative +LR 7.33 (95% CI: 1.42-37.80) but an uninformative -LR 0.74 (95% CI: 0.41-1.34). Interpretation There are informative diagnostic tests for the disc, sacroiliac joint, and facet joint (only one test). The evidence suggests a diagnosis may be possible for some patients with low back pain, potentially guiding targeted and specific treatment approaches. Funding There was no funding for this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher S. Han
- The University of Sydney, Sydney Musculoskeletal Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Corresponding author.
| | - Mark J. Hancock
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sweekriti Sharma
- The University of Sydney, Sydney Musculoskeletal Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Saurab Sharma
- Department of Exercise Physiology, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Centre for Pain IMPACT, Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ian A. Harris
- The University of Sydney, Sydney Musculoskeletal Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Steven P. Cohen
- Anaesthesiology, Pain Medicine Division, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - John Magnussen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Chris G. Maher
- The University of Sydney, Sydney Musculoskeletal Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Adrian C. Traeger
- The University of Sydney, Sydney Musculoskeletal Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Pre-procedural Imaging. Regen Med 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-75517-1_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022] Open
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Bartynski WS, Agarwal V, Trang H, Bandos AI, Rothfus WE, Tsay J, Delfyett WT, Nastasi B. Enhancing Annular Fissures and High-Intensity Zones: Pain, Internal Derangement, and Anesthetic Response at Provocation Lumbar Discography. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2023; 44:95-104. [PMID: 36549846 PMCID: PMC9835906 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a7749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE A high-intensity zone identified on preprocedural MR imaging is known to correlate with pain at provocation lumbar discography. The correlation between enhancing annular fissures and pain at provocation lumbar discography has not been comprehensively evaluated. The purpose of this study was to assess the pain response and imaging features at enhancing annular fissure nonoperated disc levels identified on preprocedural MR imaging with comparison with the high-intensity zone and nonenhancing disc levels in patients referred for provocation lumbar discography. MATERIALS AND METHODS One-hundred nonoperated discs in 44 patients were retrospectively evaluated for an enhancing annular fissure on sagittal postcontrast T1-weighted pre-discogram MR imaging. Enhancing annular fissure discs were graded on the sagittal T2-weighted sequence (Grade 4: like CSF to Grade 1: negative/barely visible) for high-intensity-zone conspicuity. High-intensity-zone detection was performed independently. In the primary assessment, enhancing annular fissure and high-intensity zones were associated with pain response at provocation lumbar discography. Additional analysis included intradiscal anesthetic response and postdiscogram CT appearance. RESULTS Thirty-nine discs demonstrated an enhancing annular fissure, with 23/39 demonstrating a high-intensity zone. The presence of a high-intensity zone predicted severe pain (concordant + nonconcordant; P = .005, sensitivity of 40%, specificity of 94%) and concordant pain (P = .007, sensitivity of 39%, specificity of 86%) at provocation lumbar discography. Enhancing annular fissures without a detected high-intensity zone were more frequently observed among severely painful (50%) and concordant (36%) discs than among discs negative for pain (9%; P = .01). This finding resulted in a substantially greater overall sensitivity of enhancing annular fissures for severe (P < .001, 64%) and concordant pain (P = .008, 61%), significantly improving the overall predictive ability of a high-intensity zone alone. A high-intensity zone went undetected in 9/11 Grade 1 disc levels with concordant pain present in 7/9. CONCLUSIONS Consideration of enhancing annular fissures on preprocedural MR imaging substantially improves the prediction of severe/concordant pain in provocation lumbar discography.
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Affiliation(s)
- W S Bartynski
- From the Department of Radiology (W.S.B., V.A., H.T., W.E.R., J.T., W.T.D., B.N.), Division of Neuroradiology, University of Pittsburgh, Presbyterian University Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - V Agarwal
- From the Department of Radiology (W.S.B., V.A., H.T., W.E.R., J.T., W.T.D., B.N.), Division of Neuroradiology, University of Pittsburgh, Presbyterian University Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - H Trang
- From the Department of Radiology (W.S.B., V.A., H.T., W.E.R., J.T., W.T.D., B.N.), Division of Neuroradiology, University of Pittsburgh, Presbyterian University Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Department of Radiology (H.T.), St. Clair Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - A I Bandos
- Department of Biostatistics (A.I.B.), Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - W E Rothfus
- From the Department of Radiology (W.S.B., V.A., H.T., W.E.R., J.T., W.T.D., B.N.), Division of Neuroradiology, University of Pittsburgh, Presbyterian University Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - J Tsay
- From the Department of Radiology (W.S.B., V.A., H.T., W.E.R., J.T., W.T.D., B.N.), Division of Neuroradiology, University of Pittsburgh, Presbyterian University Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Department of Radiology (J.T.), Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - W T Delfyett
- From the Department of Radiology (W.S.B., V.A., H.T., W.E.R., J.T., W.T.D., B.N.), Division of Neuroradiology, University of Pittsburgh, Presbyterian University Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - B Nastasi
- From the Department of Radiology (W.S.B., V.A., H.T., W.E.R., J.T., W.T.D., B.N.), Division of Neuroradiology, University of Pittsburgh, Presbyterian University Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Brighton Radiology Associates, PC (B.N.), Monaca, Pennsylvania
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Calodney A, Vest AT. Discography. Regen Med 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-75517-1_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Jwala Satya Siva Raghu Teja K, Haleem S, Rajakulasingam R, Jalli J, Kanaka Durgaprasad B, Botchu R. Does T2 inversion aid in identifying disc pathologies? J Clin Orthop Trauma 2021; 23:101620. [PMID: 34707970 PMCID: PMC8521172 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcot.2021.101620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE T2 inversion sequence is used in routine radiology practice mainly to heighten contrast resolution within the region to be studied but no evidence exists in current literature to assess it's true efficacy for lumbar disc degeneration. The objective of this study was to analyse T2 inversion and evaluate it's efficacy in assessment of lumbar disc pathology,. MATERIALS AND METHODS This retrospective single-centre study included 50 randomly selected patients presenting with back pain and radiculopathy. T2 inversion sequence was obtained in both axial and sagittal planes in addition to routine sequences. All the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) procedures were performed on 3T. One senior Musculoskeletal (MSK) radiologist, 2 general radiologists and a spinal surgeon blinded to final results reviewed images for the various disc pathologies individually analysing conventional and T2 inversion images. Data was analysed using Fischer's test and Chi2 test with a p value of <0.05 considered as significant. RESULTS Fifty randomly selected patients (mean age was 47.3 years(range 35-55 years) with back pain and radicular symptoms were included. The spectrum of disc pathologies included protrusions, annular fissures, discal cysts and calcified discs. Based on the above findings, T2 inversion sequence is not proved to be an alternative imaging sequence to routine MR imaging sequences for the depiction of various disc pathologies. CONCLUSION T2 inversion sequence does not increase the depiction of various lumbar disc pathologies in comparison with conventional sequences when used by experienced MSK radiologists. It may highlight abnormalities better for relatively inexperienced readers such as general radiologists and spinal surgeons.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - S. Haleem
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Birmingham, UK
| | - R. Rajakulasingam
- Department of Musculoskeletal Imaging, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, UK
| | - J. Jalli
- Department of Radiology, Healthpoint, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - R. Botchu
- Department of Musculoskeletal Imaging, Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Birmingham, UK
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Pelled G, Salas MM, Han P, Gill HE, Lautenschlager KA, Lai TT, Shawver CM, Hoch MB, Goff BJ, Betts AM, Zhou Z, Lynch C, Schroeder G, Bez M, Maya MM, Bresee C, Gazit Z, McCallin JP, Gazit D, Li D. Intradiscal quantitative chemical exchange saturation transfer MRI signal correlates with discogenic pain in human patients. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19195. [PMID: 34584114 PMCID: PMC8478892 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-97672-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Low back pain (LBP) is often a result of a degenerative process in the intervertebral disc. The precise origin of discogenic pain is diagnosed by the invasive procedure of provocative discography (PD). Previously, we developed quantitative chemical exchange saturation transfer (qCEST) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to detect pH as a biomarker for discogenic pain. Based on these findings we initiated a clinical study with the goal to evaluate the correlation between qCEST values and PD results in LBP patients. Twenty five volunteers with chronic low back pain were subjected to T2-weighted (T2w) and qCEST MRI scans followed by PD. A total of 72 discs were analyzed. The average qCEST signal value of painful discs was significantly higher than non-painful discs (p = 0.012). The ratio between qCEST and normalized T2w was found to be significantly higher in painful discs compared to non-painful discs (p = 0.0022). A receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis indicated that qCEST/T2w ratio could be used to differentiate between painful and non-painful discs with 78% sensitivity and 81% specificity. The results of the study suggest that qCEST could be used for the diagnosis of discogenic pain, in conjunction with the commonly used T2w scan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gadi Pelled
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA.
- Department of Orthopedics, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA.
- Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA.
| | - Margaux M Salas
- Division of Pain Management, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, TX, 78234, USA
- 59th Medical Wing Air Force, San Antonio, TX, 78236, USA
| | - Pei Han
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
- Biomedical Research Imaging Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Howard E Gill
- Division of Pain Management, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, TX, 78234, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Karl A Lautenschlager
- Division of Pain Management, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, TX, 78234, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Tristan T Lai
- Division of Pain Management, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, TX, 78234, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Cameron M Shawver
- Division of Pain Management, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, TX, 78234, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Matthew B Hoch
- Division of Pain Management, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, TX, 78234, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Brandon J Goff
- Division of Pain Management, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, TX, 78234, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Aaron M Betts
- Division of Pain Management, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, TX, 78234, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Zhengwei Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
- Biomedical Research Imaging Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Cody Lynch
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
- Biomedical Research Imaging Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Grant Schroeder
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Maxim Bez
- Medical Corps, Israel Defense Forces, Tel HaShomer, Israel
| | - Marcel M Maya
- Department of Imaging, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Catherine Bresee
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Research Center, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Zulma Gazit
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
- Department of Orthopedics, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
- Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - John P McCallin
- Division of Pain Management, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, TX, 78234, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Dan Gazit
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
- Department of Orthopedics, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
- Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
- Faculty of Dental Medicine, Hebrew University, 91120, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Debiao Li
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
- Biomedical Research Imaging Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
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Evaluating the effect of a post-processing algorithm in detection of annular fissure on MR imaging. 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 2021; 30:2150-2156. [PMID: 33683440 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-021-06793-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Visualization of annular fissures on MRI is becoming increasingly important but remains challenging. Our purpose was to test whether an image processing algorithm could improve detection of annular fissures. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this retrospective study, two neuroradiologists identified 56 IVDs with annular fissures and 97 IVDs with normal annulus fibrosus in lumbar spine MRIs of 101 patients (58 M, 43 F; age ± SD 15.1 ± 3.0 years). Signal intensities of diseased and normal annulus fibrosus, and contrast-to-noise ratio between them on sagittal T2-weighted images were calculated before and after processing with a proprietary software. Effect of processing on detection of annular fissures by two masked neuroradiologists was also studied for IVDs with Pfirrmann grades of ≤ 2 and > 2. RESULTS Mean (SD) signal baseline intensities of diseased and normal annulus fibrosus were 57.6 (23.3) and 24.4 (7.8), respectively (p < 0.001). Processing increased (p < 0.001) the mean (SD) intensity of diseased annulus to 110.6 (47.9), without affecting the signal intensity of normal annulus (p = 0.14). Mean (SD) CNR between the diseased and normal annulus increased (p < 0.001) from 11.8 (14.1) to 29.6 (29.1). Both masked readers detected more annular fissures after processing in IVDs with Pfirrmann grade of ≤ 2 and > 2, with an apparent increased sensitivity and decreased specificity using predefined image-based human categorization as a reference standard. CONCLUSIONS Image processing improved CNR of annular fissures and detection rate of annular fissures. However, further studies with a more stringent reference standard are needed to assess its effect on sensitivity and specificity.
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10
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Kreiner DS, Matz P, Bono CM, Cho CH, Easa JE, Ghiselli G, Ghogawala Z, Reitman CA, Resnick DK, Watters WC, Annaswamy TM, Baisden J, Bartynski WS, Bess S, Brewer RP, Cassidy RC, Cheng DS, Christie SD, Chutkan NB, Cohen BA, Dagenais S, Enix DE, Dougherty P, Golish SR, Gulur P, Hwang SW, Kilincer C, King JA, Lipson AC, Lisi AJ, Meagher RJ, O'Toole JE, Park P, Pekmezci M, Perry DR, Prasad R, Provenzano DA, Radcliff KE, Rahmathulla G, Reinsel TE, Rich RL, Robbins DS, Rosolowski KA, Sembrano JN, Sharma AK, Stout AA, Taleghani CK, Tauzell RA, Trammell T, Vorobeychik Y, Yahiro AM. Guideline summary review: an evidence-based clinical guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of low back pain. Spine J 2020; 20:998-1024. [PMID: 32333996 DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2020.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CONTEXT The North American Spine Society's (NASS) Evidence Based Clinical Guideline for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Low Back Pain features evidence-based recommendations for diagnosing and treating adult patients with nonspecific low back pain. The guideline is intended to reflect contemporary treatment concepts for nonspecific low back pain as reflected in the highest quality clinical literature available on this subject as of February 2016. PURPOSE The purpose of the guideline is to provide an evidence-based educational tool to assist spine specialists when making clinical decisions for adult patients with nonspecific low back pain. This article provides a brief summary of the evidence-based guideline recommendations for diagnosing and treating patients with this condition. STUDY DESIGN This is a guideline summary review. METHODS This guideline is the product of the Low Back Pain Work Group of NASS' Evidence-Based Clinical Guideline Development Committee. The methods used to develop this guideline are detailed in the complete guideline and technical report available on the NASS website. In brief, a multidisciplinary work group of spine care specialists convened to identify clinical questions to address in the guideline. The literature search strategy was developed in consultation with medical librarians. Upon completion of the systematic literature search, evidence relevant to the clinical questions posed in the guideline was reviewed. Work group members utilized NASS evidentiary table templates to summarize study conclusions, identify study strengths and weaknesses, and assign levels of evidence. Work group members participated in webcasts and in-person recommendation meetings to update and formulate evidence-based recommendations and incorporate expert opinion when necessary. The draft guideline was submitted to an internal and external peer review process and ultimately approved by the NASS Board of Directors. RESULTS Eighty-two clinical questions were addressed, and the answers are summarized in this article. The respective recommendations were graded according to the levels of evidence of the supporting literature. CONCLUSIONS The evidence-based clinical guideline has been created using techniques of evidence-based medicine and best available evidence to aid practitioners in the diagnosis and treatment of adult patients with nonspecific low back pain. The entire guideline document, including the evidentiary tables, literature search parameters, literature attrition flowchart, suggestions for future research, and all of the references, is available electronically on the NASS website at https://www.spine.org/ResearchClinicalCare/QualityImprovement/ClinicalGuidelines.aspx.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Scott Kreiner
- Barrow Neurological Institute, 4530 E. Muirwood Dr. Ste. 110, Phoenix, AZ 85048-7693, USA.
| | - Paul Matz
- Advantage Orthopedics and Neurosurgery, Casper, WY, USA
| | | | - Charles H Cho
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Zoher Ghogawala
- Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Burlington, MA, USA; Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - William C Watters
- Institute of Academic Medicine Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Thiru M Annaswamy
- VA North Texas Health Care System, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | | | | | - Shay Bess
- Denver International Spine Center, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Randall P Brewer
- River Cities Interventional Pain Specialists, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | | | - David S Cheng
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Paul Park
- University Of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | | | - Ravi Prasad
- University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | | | - Kris E Radcliff
- Rothman Institute, Thomas Jefferson University, Egg Harbor Township, NJ, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ryan A Tauzell
- Choice Physical Therapy & Wellness, Christiansburg, VA, USA
| | | | - Yakov Vorobeychik
- Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Amy M Yahiro
- North American Spine Society, Burr Ridge, IL, USA
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Abnormal Conditions of the Diskovertebral Segment: MRI With Anatomic-Pathologic Correlation. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2020; 214:853-861. [PMID: 32069076 DOI: 10.2214/ajr.19.22081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article is to review the appearance of various abnormalities that affect the lumbar intervertebral disk and diskovertebral segment through anatomic-pathologic correlation in cadavers. CONCLUSION. Familiarity with the pathologic conditions in and around the intervertebral disk is important in recognizing such conditions as a potential source of symptoms. We revisit the principal role of MRI in evaluating these abnormalities and excluding other sources of significant clinical manifestations.
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The relevance of high-intensity zones in degenerative disc disease. INTERNATIONAL ORTHOPAEDICS 2018; 43:861-867. [PMID: 30506087 DOI: 10.1007/s00264-018-4260-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to review the current understanding of high-intensity zones (HIZ) in the lumbar spine with particular attention to its imaging phenotype and clinical relevance. METHODS A review was conducted of studies related to HIZ. Particular attention was made to imaging phenotypes and classification, and its relationship with discogenic low back pain (LBP). RESULTS The most current classification system of HIZ is based on location (anterior and posterior), morphology (round, fissure, vertical, rim, or giant types), and its appearance on both T1- and T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). HIZ are commonly manifested with disc degeneration. Hence, both conditions share similar risk factors such as the effect of frequent and prolonged disc loading. The clinical significance of HIZ however is not conclusive. Provocative discography is not sensitive (~ 70%) for eliciting a concordant pain response. Population-based studies have conflicting results regarding the prevalence (14-63%) of HIZ and its correlation with LBP. CONCLUSIONS HIZ are likely a risk factor for discogenic LBP. However, its etiology and pathophysiology are not well understood. Some clinical studies suggest a link between its occurrence and LBP. However, the results are not consistent as a result of studies which are underpowered and based on heterogeneous study populations, lacking control groups, and without standardized imaging phenotypes. HIZ may be an important pain biomarker that should be further studied. With more modern MRI technology and a detailed classification system, future large-scale population studies will improve our knowledge on its role in the disc degeneration cascade and development of LBP.
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Namboothiri S, Gore S, Veerasekhar G. Treatment of Low Back Pain by Treating the Annular High Intensity Zone (HIZ) Lesions Using Percutaneous Transforaminal Endoscopic Disc Surgery. Int J Spine Surg 2018; 12:388-392. [PMID: 30276096 DOI: 10.14444/5045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The study design was a retrospective case series. The objective was to find the clinical success rate of percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic disc surgery in patients suffering from discogenic chronic low back pain who were showing high intensity zone (HIZ) with degenerated disc as the only abnormality in the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The HIZ in the posterior annulus in degenerated disc is recognized as a pain generator. There are only a few studies available in the literature addressing the effect of identification and treatment of HIZ in the chronic low back pain patient. Methods We retrospectively evaluated the case records of all the patients who were treated by percutaneous endoscopic disc surgery for relief of symptoms as determined by visual analog scale (VAS) score, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Mac Nab criteria, and the consumption of analgesics, who had the predominant symptom of chronic low back pain, and whose lumbar spine MRI showed degenerated disc with HIZ and no other cause of back pain, like facet joint arthritis or sacroiliac joint arthritis. Results A total of 23 patients were identified to include in the study. Mean preoperative duration of low back pain was 13.1 months. Mean follow up after the procedure was 29 months. At final follow up, 69.6% of the patients were not taking any pain medicines, 17.36% were on frequent analgesic medicines, 13.04% were on occasional analgesics. There was statistically significant reduction in VAS at 6 weeks postop and final follow up after surgery and the ODI at final follow up; 82.6% of patients had an excellent/good outcome as per Mac Nab criteria. There were no complications or reoperations in any of the patients. Conclusions Visualization and ablation of the chronic annular pathology in HIZ may give an effective and minimally invasive treatment for one of the back pain causes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sreedharan Namboothiri
- Department of Orthopaedics and Spine Surgery, Kovai Medical Center and Hospitals, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India
| | | | - Ganesh Veerasekhar
- Department of Orthopaedics and Spine Surgery, Kovai Medical Center and Hospitals, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India
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Wang H, Li Z, Zhang C, Zhang W, Li L, Guo J, Wu W, Hou S. Correlation between high-intensity zone on MRI and discography in patients with low back pain. Medicine (Baltimore) 2017; 96:e7222. [PMID: 28746177 PMCID: PMC5627803 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000007222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to analyze the correlation between high-intensity zone (HIZ) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of a lumbar disc and positive pain response assessed by discography for the diagnosis and treatment of discogenic low back pain (LBP). Thirty-seven patients aged 21 to 59 years with chronic LBP but without any neurological symptoms or lumbar disc herniation who underwent MRI and subsequent discography were included in this study. During discography, concordant pain was regarded as positive, whereas discordant pain and no pain were regarded as negative. X-ray and computed tomography (CT) after discography with positive pain response were analyzed to correlate with HIZ on MRI. A total of 98 discs underwent discography in 37 patients; 21 discs presented positive pain response, including 10 with HIZ (47.6%). Seventy-seven discs presented negative pain response, including 29 with HIZ (37.6%). The high grade of annular disruption group shows a high proportion of HIZ on MRI. A positive correlation between HIZ and degree of annular disruption was observed. However, no correlation between HIZ and positive pain response was established on discography. The findings confirm that the presence of HIZ on MRI is only a suggestive and screening iconography indication for the diagnosis of discogenic LBP and cannot replace the gold standard of the discography. MRI should be closely integrated with those of discography, and thus, they play a crucial role in selecting operative segments of multilevel lumbar degenerative disk disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huadong Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, First Affiliated Hospital of PLA General Hospital, Beijing
| | | | - Chunli Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, First Affiliated Hospital of PLA General Hospital, Beijing
| | - Weisheng Zhang
- Education Department, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, the People's Republic of China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, First Affiliated Hospital of PLA General Hospital, Beijing
| | - Jidong Guo
- Department of Orthopaedics, First Affiliated Hospital of PLA General Hospital, Beijing
| | - Wenwen Wu
- Department of Orthopaedics, First Affiliated Hospital of PLA General Hospital, Beijing
| | - Shuxun Hou
- Department of Orthopaedics, First Affiliated Hospital of PLA General Hospital, Beijing
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Fang C, Zhang W, Chen L, Li H. The correlation between the high-intensity zone on a T2-weighted MRI and positive outcomes of discography: a meta-analysis. J Orthop Surg Res 2017; 12:26. [PMID: 28178999 PMCID: PMC5299742 DOI: 10.1186/s13018-017-0523-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This meta-analysis aimed to assess the correlation between the high-intensity zone (HIZ) of a lumbar MRI and discography. METHODS We conducted an electronic search of the PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and ScienceDirect databases from their respective inceptions to October 2016 using the following search terms: "low back pain," "discogenic low back pain," "HIZ or high-intensity zone," and "discography". Relevant journals and conference proceedings were manually searched. Two reviewers independently assessed the quality of the studies, extracted data from the included studies, and analyzed the data. RESULTS Eleven studies were included. The results of the meta-analysis indicated that outstanding relativity and statistically significant correlations were observed between the HIZ and abnormal disc morphology (OR = 47.79; 95% CI: 17.07 to 133.77; P < 0.00001), HIZ and pain reproduction (OR = 8.65, 95% CI: 6.01 to 15.23, P < 0.00001), and HIZ and abnormal morphology pain reproduction (OR = 11.74, 95% CI: 1.99 to 69.36, P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS The presence of an HIZ on a lumbar MRI T2-weighted image indicates abnormal disc morphology. There is a strong relationship between the HIZ and pain reproduction. The HIZ can be an effective index for prediction of discogenic low back pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyang Fang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First People's Hospital of Wenling, No. 190, Taiping Nan Road, Wenling, Zhejiang Province, 317500, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenbin Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First People's Hospital of Wenling, No. 190, Taiping Nan Road, Wenling, Zhejiang Province, 317500, People's Republic of China
| | - Liqiu Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, The First People's Hospital of Wenling, No. 190, Taiping Nan Road, Wenling, Zhejiang Province, 317500, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongjie Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The First People's Hospital of Wenling, No. 190, Taiping Nan Road, Wenling, Zhejiang Province, 317500, People's Republic of China.
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Jha SC, Higashino K, Sakai T, Takata Y, Abe M, Yamashita K, Morimoto M, Fukuta S, Nagamachi A, Sairyo K. Clinical Significance of High-intensity Zone for Discogenic Low Back Pain: A Review. THE JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INVESTIGATION 2017; 63:1-7. [PMID: 27040045 DOI: 10.2152/jmi.63.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
High-intensity zone (HIZ) was originally described as a high-intensity signal on T2-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) images, located in the posterior annulus fibrosus, clearly separated from the nucleus pulposus. Among symptomatic patients with low back pain, HIZ is present in 28-59% of cases. In morphologically abnormal discs, high sensitivity and specificity of 81% and 79%, respectively, were reported for HIZs and concordant pain during discography. In contrast, another report indicated low rates. Although most papers reported high sensitivity and specificity for this relationship, it remains controversial. Regarding the pathology of HIZs, inflammatory granulation tissues are found at sites showing HIZs. Such inflammatory tissues produce pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators, which sensitize the nociceptors within the disc and cause pain. An effective treatment for this condition is yet to be established. Recently, minimally invasive surgery using percutaneous endoscopic discectomy (PED) under local anesthesia was introduced. After removal of the degenerated disc material, the HIZ is identified with the endoscope and then coagulated and modulated with a bipolar radio pulse. This technique is called thermal annuloplasty. In conclusion, HIZs is an important sign of painful intervertebral disc disruption, if identified precisely based on factors such as location and intensity.
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17
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Factors for Predicting Favorable Outcome of Percutaneous Epidural Adhesiolysis for Lumbar Disc Herniation. Pain Res Manag 2017; 2017:1494538. [PMID: 28246488 PMCID: PMC5299181 DOI: 10.1155/2017/1494538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2016] [Revised: 12/11/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background. Lower back pain is a common reason for disability and the most common cause is lumbar disc herniation. Percutaneous epidural adhesiolysis has been applied to relieve pain and increase the functional capacity of patients who present this condition. Objectives. In this study, we retrospectively evaluated the factors which predict the outcome of percutaneous epidural adhesiolysis in patients who were diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation. Methods. Electronic medical records of patients diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation who have received percutaneous epidural adhesiolysis treatment were reviewed. The primary outcome was the factors that were associated with substantial response of ≥4 points or ≥50% of pain relief in the numerical rating scale pain score 12 months after the treatment. Results. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the presence of high-intensity zone (HIZ) at magnetic resonance imaging was a predictor of substantial response to percutaneous epidural adhesiolysis for 12 months (P = 0.007). The presence of a condition involving the vertebral foramen was a predictor for unsuccessful response after 12 months (P = 0.02). Discussion and Conclusion. The presence of HIZ was a predictor of favorable long-term outcome after percutaneous epidural adhesiolysis for the treatment of lower back pain with radicular pain caused by lumbar disc herniation.
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Jha SC, Takata Y, Abe M, Yamashita K, Tezuka F, Sakai T, Higashino K, Nagamachi A, Sairyo K. High intensity zone in lumbar spine and its correlation with disc degeneration. THE JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INVESTIGATION 2017; 64:39-42. [DOI: 10.2152/jmi.64.39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
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19
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de Bruin F, ter Horst S, Bloem HL, van den Berg R, de Hooge M, van Gaalen F, Fagerli KM, Landewé R, van Oosterhout M, van der Heijde D, Reijnierse M. Prevalence of degenerative changes of the spine on magnetic resonance images and radiographs in patients aged 16-45 years with chronic back pain of short duration in the Spondyloarthritis Caught Early (SPACE) cohort. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2015; 55:56-65. [PMID: 26275972 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kev283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the prevalence of degenerative changes (DCs) in the spine of young patients with back pain without axial spondyloarthritis (no-axSpA), with possible axSpA (poss-axSpA) and with definite axSpA (axSpA), as shown on MRI and radiographs. METHODS Whole-spine MRI and cervical and lumbar radiography were performed in patients ≥16 years of age with chronic back pain (≥3 months, ≤2 years, onset <45 years) and potential axSpA (Spondyloarthritis Caught Early cohort). Patients were classified as no-axSpA, poss-axSpA [not fulfilling the Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS) axSpA criteria] or axSpA (fulfilling ASAS axSpA criteria). Images (MRI and X-rays) were evaluated on the presence of DCs by two independent readers, blinded to clinical and laboratory information as well as to the results of the other imaging modality. In cases of disagreement, a third reader served as adjudicator. A Chi-square test was used to analyse differences between patient groups according to various selected cut-off points (1-3) of individual DCs. RESULTS Of 274 patients (38% male, mean age: 29 years), 25 (9%) were classified as no-axSpA, 134 (48.9%) as poss-axSpA and 115 (42.0%) as axSpA. Two hundred and forty-five (89%) patients had DCs on MRI [21/25 (84%) no-axSpA, 121/134 (90%) poss-axSpA, 103/115 (90%) axSpA, P = 0.792], range 1-29 (median 5.5), and 121 (44%) patients had DCs on radiographs [13/25 (52%) no-axSpA, 62/134 (46%) poss-axSpA, 48/115 (42%) axSpA, P = 0.261], range 1-11 (median 2). Prevalence of DCs was similar between patient groups. DCs were predominantly found in the lumbar spine. CONCLUSION Prevalence of DCs was high in this cohort of young patients with short-term chronic back pain, in accordance with the literature. Prevalence of DCs in no-axSpA patients, poss-axSpA patients and axSpA patients was found to be similar.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Rosaline van den Berg
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Manouk de Hooge
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Floris van Gaalen
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Karen M Fagerli
- Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Robert Landewé
- Department of Rheumatology, Amsterdam Medical Center, Amsterdam and
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20
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Izzo R, Popolizio T, D'Aprile P, Muto M. Spinal pain. Eur J Radiol 2015; 84:746-56. [PMID: 25824642 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2015.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2014] [Revised: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 01/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The spinal pain, and expecially the low back pain (LBP), represents the second cause for a medical consultation in primary care setting and a leading cause of disability worldwide [1]. LBP is more often idiopathic. It has as most frequent cause the internal disc disruption (IDD) and is referred to as discogenic pain. IDD refers to annular fissures, disc collapse and mechanical failure, with no significant modification of external disc shape, with or without endplates changes. IDD is described as a separate clinical entity in respect to disc herniation, segmental instability and degenerative disc desease (DDD). The radicular pain has as most frequent causes a disc herniation and a canal stenosis. Both discogenic and radicular pain also have either a mechanical and an inflammatory genesis. For to be richly innervated, facet joints can be a direct source of pain, while for their degenerative changes cause compression of nerve roots in lateral recesses and in the neural foramina. Degenerative instability is a common and often misdiagnosed cause of axial and radicular pain, being also a frequent indication for surgery. Acute pain tends to extinguish along with its cause, but the setting of complex processes of peripheral and central sensitization may influence its evolution in chronic pain, much more difficult to treat. The clinical assessment of pain source can be a challenge because of the complex anatomy and function of the spine; the advanced imaging methods are often not sufficient for a definitive diagnosis because similar findings could be present in either asymptomatic and symptomatic subjects: a clinical correlation is always mandatory and the therapy cannot rely uniquely upon any imaging abnormalities. Purpose of this review is to address the current concepts on the pathophysiology of discogenic, radicular, facet and dysfunctional pain, focusing on the role of the imaging in the diagnostic setting, to potentially address a correct approach also to minimally invasive interventional techniques. Special attention will be done to the discogenic pain, actually considered as the most frequent cause of chronic low back pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Izzo
- Neuroradiology Department, A. Cardarelli Hospital, Naples, Italy.
| | - T Popolizio
- Radiology Department, Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza Hospital, San Giovanni Rotondo (Fg), Italy.
| | - P D'Aprile
- Neuroradiology Department, San Paolo Hospital, Bari, Italy.
| | - M Muto
- Neuroradiology Department, A. Cardarelli Hospital, Napoli, Italy.
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Abstract
Low back pain is a common symptom that can lead to disability and major socio-professional repercussions. Despite advances in imaging, the etiology of the pain often remains unknown. Morphological changes related to normal ageing of the disc appear on MR imaging without any symptoms. The potential impact of changes seen on imaging, especially MRI, also warrants discussion. The purpose of this work is to review the state-of-the-art of this subject, underlining relevant key features for routine radiological practice. We will first discuss anterior and posterior segments of the spine with a focus on anatomical, physiopathological and semiological findings. Secondly we will discuss the diagnostic value of each sign.
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Khan I, Hargunani R, Saifuddin A. The lumbar high-intensity zone: 20 years on. Clin Radiol 2014; 69:551-8. [PMID: 24613582 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2013.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2013] [Revised: 11/23/2013] [Accepted: 12/16/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The high intensity zone (HIZ) was first described by Aprill and Bogduk on lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies in 1992. Correlation with lumbar computed tomography (CT) discography showed that the HIZ represents a deep radial tear of the annulus fibrosus, which may be a cause of chronic low back pain. Initial studies comparing the finding of a HIZ on MRI with discography suggested that it may be a highly specific marker of a painful lumbar disc, but later investigators demonstrated that it is also present in asymptomatic individuals. The purpose of this article is to review the literature regarding the lumbar HIZ 20 years after its initial description.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Khan
- Department of Radiology, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, Middlesex, UK.
| | - R Hargunani
- Department of Radiology, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, Middlesex, UK
| | - A Saifuddin
- Department of Radiology, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, Middlesex, UK
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Quantitative estimation of the high-intensity zone in the lumbar spine: comparison between the symptomatic and asymptomatic population. Spine J 2014; 14:391-6. [PMID: 24139862 DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2013.06.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2012] [Revised: 05/28/2013] [Accepted: 06/24/2013] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CONTEXT The high-intensity zone (HIZ) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been studied for more than 20 years, but its diagnostic value in low back pain (LBP) is limited by the high incidence in asymptomatic subjects. Little effort has been made to improve the objective assessment of HIZ. PURPOSE To develop quantitative measurements for HIZ and estimate intra- and interobserver reliability and to clarify different signal intensity of HIZ in patients with or without LBP. STUDY DESIGN A measurement reliability and prospective comparative study. PATIENT SAMPLE A consecutive series of patients with LBP between June 2010 and May 2011 (group A) and a successive series of asymptomatic controls during the same period (group B). OUTCOME MEASURES Incidence of HIZ; quantitative measures, including area of disc, area and signal intensity of HIZ, and magnetic resonance imaging index; and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for intra- and interobserver reliability. METHODS On the basis of HIZ criteria, a series of quantitative dimension and signal intensity measures was developed for assessing HIZ. Two experienced spine surgeons traced the region of interest twice within 4 weeks for assessment of the intra- and interobserver reliability. The quantitative variables were compared between groups A and B. RESULTS There were 72 patients with LBP and 79 asymptomatic controls enrolling in this study. The prevalence of HIZ in group A and group B was 45.8% and 20.2%, respectively. The intraobserver agreement was excellent for the quantitative measures (ICC=0.838-0.977) as well as interobserver reliability (ICC=0.809-0.935). The mean signal of HIZ in group A was significantly brighter than in group B (57.55±14.04% vs. 45.61±7.22%, p=.000). There was no statistical difference of area of disc and HIZ between the two groups. The magnetic resonance imaging index was found to be higher in group A when compared with group B (3.94±1.71 vs. 3.06±1.50), but with a p value of .050. CONCLUSIONS A series of quantitative measurements for HIZ was established and demonstrated excellent intra- and interobserver reliability. The signal intensity of HIZ was different in patients with or without LBP, and significant brighter signal was observed in symptomatic subjects.
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Dao TT, Pouletaut P, Robert L, Aufaure P, Charleux F, Ho Ba Tho MC. Quantitative analysis of annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus derived from T2 mapping, diffusion-weighted and diffusion tensor MR imaging. COMPUTER METHODS IN BIOMECHANICS AND BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING: IMAGING & VISUALIZATION 2013. [DOI: 10.1080/21681163.2013.774597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Bogduk N, Aprill C, Derby R. Lumbar Discogenic Pain: State-of-the-Art Review. PAIN MEDICINE 2013; 14:813-36. [DOI: 10.1111/pme.12082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nikolai Bogduk
- University of Newcastle; Newcastle Bone and Joint Institute, Royal Newcastle Centre; Newcastle; New South Wales; Australia
| | - Charles Aprill
- Interventional Spine Specialists; New Orleans; Louisiana
| | - Richard Derby
- Spinal Diagnostics and Treatment Center; Daly City; California; USA
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HIZ's relation to axial load and low back pain: investigated with axial loaded MRI and pressure controlled discography. 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 2012; 22:734-9. [PMID: 23011200 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-012-2501-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2012] [Accepted: 09/09/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aims were to investigate if the detection of high-intensity zones (HIZ) is affected by axial load, and to study the correlation between HIZ and discogenic pain provoked with pressure controlled discography (PCD). METHODS 41 consecutive patients with chronic low back pain, referred for discography, were included. Each patient underwent PCD, CT, MRI, and axial loaded MRI (alMRI) within 24 h. 35 patients completed all MRI sequences (140 discs). The detection of HIZ was compared between conventional MRI and alMRI. PCD was performed in 119 of the discs examined at MRI. Provoked pain at PCD was classified into four categories (none/unfamiliar/similar/exact), with the patients' daily pain as reference, and correlated with presence of HIZ. RESULTS AlMRI did not affect the detection of HIZ compared with conventional MRI. No significant correlation between HIZ and the 4-graded pain response at discography was found (p = 0.34), neither when combining similarly/exactly reproduced pain (p = 0.08). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of HIZ in detecting discs with exactly reproduced pain were 49, 69, 39 and 76 %. When combining similarly/exactly reproduced pain, PPV was higher but still only 70 %. CONCLUSIONS The detection of HIZ was not influenced by axial load. With strict PCD, discogenic pain can neither be confirmed when having HIZ (PPV 39 %) nor ruled out in discs without HIZ (NPV 76 %). Larger PCD studies including quantification of HIZ at conventional and alMRI are needed, before any dynamic component affected by axial load can be ruled out completely.
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Abstract
Degenerative changes are the manifestations of metabolic disturbances in the matrix of intervertebral disks and zygapophysial joints. Genetic factors and physical loading contribute, but the strongest correlation is with age. Degenerative changes lack any significant correlation with spinal pain. Therefore, they do not constitute a diagnosis. Internal disk disruption is a distinctive condition that is independent of degeneration and age. Its biophysical and morphologic features correlate with back pain, as do its manifestations on magnetic resonance imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolai Bogduk
- University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.
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Maus TP, Aprill CN. Lumbar Diskogenic Pain, Provocation Diskography, and Imaging Correlates. Radiol Clin North Am 2012; 50:681-704. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rcl.2012.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Association of modic changes, Schmorl's nodes, spondylolytic defects, high-intensity zone lesions, disc herniations, and radial tears with low back symptom severity among young Finnish adults. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2012; 37:1231-9. [PMID: 22166927 DOI: 10.1097/brs.0b013e3182443855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN A cross-sectional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study. OBJECTIVE We investigated the association among Modic changes, Schmorl's nodes, spondylolytic defects, high-intensity zone lesions, radial tears, herniations, and low back symptom severity. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Disc degeneration is associated with low back pain in early adulthood, but the associations between other MRI findings and low back pain are not well known. METHODS Questionnaire data and MRI scans (1.5-T) were available for 554 subjects derived from a birth cohort at 21 years of age. Data on low back pain and back-related functional limitations at 18, 19, and 21 years of age were used for clustering of subjects, using latent class analysis. We used logistic regression with adjustment for the degree of disc degeneration to evaluate the associations between specific imaging findings and low back symptom severity. RESULTS The prevalence of herniations was 20%, Schmorl's nodes 17%, radial tears 9.9%, high-intensity zone lesions 3.2%, spondylolytic defects 5.8%, and Modic changes 0.7%. Latent class analysis produced 5 clusters: "Always Painful" (n = 65) meant painful at all time points and "Recent Onset Pain" (n = 56) meant increasing symptom severity, whereas subjects in the "Moderately Painful" (n = 73), "Minor Pain" (n = 193), and "No Pain" (n = 167) clusters had fewer symptoms. Compared with the "No Pain" cluster, Schmorl's nodes were more likely to occur in the "Always Painful" cluster (P = 0.017) and herniations in the 3 most painful clusters (P < 0.001). Herniations were associated with low back symptom severity (odds ratio, 2.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.4-4.4). Schmorl's nodes and radial tears were associated with symptoms in crude analyses only, whereas high-intensity zone lesions and spondylolytic defects occurred in similar frequencies in all clusters. CONCLUSION Herniations were most likely in the subjects with recent onset or persistent (3-yr period) low back symptoms, although they were also detected in subjects with no symptoms. The clinical relevance of herniations on MRI remains to be evaluated in the context of symptoms.
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Abstract
In summary, LBP is a common problem for the young adult athlete, with discogenic pain being the most common of all etiologies. Although rare, more serious etiologies such as tumor or infection should be included in the differential diagnosis until effectively ruled out. Regardless of the cause, nonoperative and conservative strategies should be the cornerstone of treatment, owing to the favorable natural history of most LBP etiologies. Short-term non-narcotic medications are helpful, and avoidance of bed rest is critical for the athletic population. Rehabilitation should focus on stabilization and strengthening of the core and pelvic muscle groups, and biomechanical imbalances should be addressed. Surgical intervention ought to be utilized as a last resort in this population. Return to play should be considered only when the athlete is pain free with full range of motion and daily medications have been discontinued. Careful monitoring of the training regimen should always be undertaken,especially with chronic pain or recurrent injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken R Mautner
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Orthopedics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA.
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Aydin H, Kizilgoz V, Hekimoglu B. Compared with the Conventional MR Imaging, Do the Constructive Interference Steady State Sequence and Diffusion Weighted Imaging Aid in the Diagnosis of Lumbar Disc Hernias? Eurasian J Med 2011; 43:152-61. [PMID: 25610184 DOI: 10.5152/eajm.2011.37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2011] [Accepted: 10/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy of Diffusion Weighted Imaging (DWI) and Constructive Interference Steady State (CISS) sequences in the depiction of lumbar disc hernias, including sequestrated and extruded discs. MATERIALS AND METHODS 100 patients; 35 males and 65 females, with 3 sequestration-16 extruded and 81 protruded all together 100 herniated discs were involved in this study. If a patient had more than one herniated disc, then the more precise herniation was included. All the MRI procedures were handled in Siemens Symphony Power 1.5 T. magnet. DWI- Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC mapping) and CISS sequences were obtained in axial planes. Statistical analysis of CISS and DWI results were analysed by fischer's test, chi square statistics. RESULTS CISS sequence had a 89% sensitivity, 100% specificity for all lumbar disc hernias, had 100% sensitivity and specificity in the evaluation of sequestrated and extruded discs. DWI had a 77% sensitivity and %100 specificity, had 100% sensitivity and 50% specificity in the evaluation of extrusion, 100% sensitivity and specificity in the evaluation of sequestration. CONCLUSION CISS sequence and quantitative DWI may be alternative imaging modalities to the routine MR imaging sequences in the depiction of lumbar disc hernias, including sequestration and extruded discs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Aydin
- Department of Radiology, Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Education and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Volkan Kizilgoz
- Department of Radiology, Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Education and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Baki Hekimoglu
- Department of Radiology, Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Education and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
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Hu JK, Morishita Y, Montgomery SR, Hymanson H, Taghavi CE, Do D, Wang JC. Kinematic Evaluation of Association between Disc Bulge Migration, Lumbar Segmental Mobility, and Disc Degeneration in the Lumbar Spine Using Positional Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Global Spine J 2011; 1:43-8. [PMID: 24353937 PMCID: PMC3864483 DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1296056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2011] [Accepted: 10/17/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Degenerative disc disease and disc bulge in the lumbar spine are common sources of lower back pain. Little is known regarding disc bulge migration and lumbar segmental mobility as the lumbar spine moves from flexion to extension. In this study, 329 symptomatic (low back pain with or without neurological symptoms) patients with an average age of 43.5 years with varying degrees of disc degeneration were examined to characterize the kinematics of the lumbar intervertebral discs through flexion, neutral, and extension weight-bearing positions. In this population, disc bulge migration associated with dynamic motion of the lumbar spine significantly increased with increased grade of disk degeneration. Although no obvious trends relating the migration of disc bulge and angular segmental mobility were seen, translational segmental mobility tended to increase with disc bulge migration in all of the degenerative disc states. It appears that many factors, both static (intervertebral disc degeneration or disc height) and dynamic (lumbar segmental mobility), affect the mechanisms of lumbar disc bulge migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan K. Hu
- Department of Orthopaedics and Neurosurgery, UCLA Spine Center, Santa Monica, California
| | - Yuichiro Morishita
- Department of Orthopaedics and Neurosurgery, UCLA Spine Center, Santa Monica, California
| | - Scott R. Montgomery
- Department of Orthopaedics and Neurosurgery, UCLA Spine Center, Santa Monica, California
| | - Henry Hymanson
- Department of Orthopaedics and Neurosurgery, UCLA Spine Center, Santa Monica, California
| | - Cyrus E. Taghavi
- Department of Orthopaedics and Neurosurgery, UCLA Spine Center, Santa Monica, California
| | - Duc Do
- Department of Orthopaedics and Neurosurgery, UCLA Spine Center, Santa Monica, California
| | - Jeff C. Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics and Neurosurgery, UCLA Spine Center, Santa Monica, California
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The expression of tumor necrosis factor-α and CD68 in high-intensity zone of lumbar intervertebral disc on magnetic resonance image in the patients with low back pain. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2011; 36:E429-33. [PMID: 21192298 DOI: 10.1097/brs.0b013e3181dfce9e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Several recent studies suggest a high-intensity zone (HIZ) within the posterior annulu of lumbar intervertebral disc seen on T2-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) images represents the inflammation in the annulus, an annular tear, and/or vascular granulation tissue. It has not be reported yet whether there is the expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and inflammatory cells appear in HIZ of intervertebral disc on MR images. OBJECTIVE To study whether HIZ is a specific signal for the inflammatory reaction of painful intervertebral disc. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA The presence of HIZ signal within the posterior annulus seen on sagittal T2-weighted spin-echo magnetic imaging sequences has already been used in the diagnosis of painful annular tears in the last decade. There have been studies suggesting that the presence of HIZ reflects inflammation in the annulus, an annular tear, and/or vascular granulation tissue. METHODS Twenty-six consecutive patients with low back pain underwent MR images and discography (age range = 26-65 years; mean age = 47.5 years; 16 men, 10 women). In all the patients, HIZ appeared in the involved intervertebral discs on T2-weighted MR images. Lumbar discography was usually performed on each patient for the discs L3-L4, L4-L5, and L5-S1. All patients received posterior lumbar interbody fusion procedures. The intervertebral disc specimens contained HIZ were excised en bloc during posterior interbody fusion. The distribution of TNF-α and CD68 in the intervertebral disc specimens within HIZ on MR images from 26 consecutive patients with low back pain and in the intervertebral disc specimens from five fresh cadavers were observed. RESULTS The histologic study of the consecutive sagittal slices of the HIZ showed a lot of proliferated small round cells and fibroblasts. There were a lot of TNF-α positive cells and some CD68 positive cells in HIZ and the number of TNF-α and CD68 positive cells in HIZ was significantly higher than that in the annulus fibrosus around HIZ and in the control (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION The results of this study indicate that HIZ may be a specific signal for the inflammatory reaction of painful intervertebral disc.
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Alyas F, Sutcliffe J, Connell D, Saifuddin A. Morphological change and development of high-intensity zones in the lumbar spine from neutral to extension positioning during upright MRI. Clin Radiol 2010; 65:176-80. [PMID: 20103442 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2009.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2008] [Revised: 02/21/2009] [Accepted: 02/27/2009] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- F Alyas
- The London Upright MRI Centre, Julia House, London W1T 1QD, UK.
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Peng B, Pang X, Wu Y, Zhao C, Song X. A randomized placebo-controlled trial of intradiscal methylene blue injection for the treatment of chronic discogenic low back pain. Pain 2010; 149:124-129. [PMID: 20167430 DOI: 10.1016/j.pain.2010.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2008] [Revised: 10/27/2009] [Accepted: 01/26/2010] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
A preliminary report of clinical study revealed that chronic discogenic low back pain could be treated by intradiscal methylene blue (MB) injection. We investigated the effect of intradiscal MB injection for the treatment of chronic discogenic low back pain in a randomized placebo-controlled trial. We recruited 136 patients who were found potentially eligible after clinical examination and 72 became eligible after discography. All the patients had discogenic low back pain lasting longer than 6 months, with no comorbidity. Thirty-six were allocated to intradiscal MB injection and 36 to placebo treatment. The principal criteria to judge the effectiveness included alleviation of pain, assessed by a 101-point numerical rating scale (NRS-101), and improvement in disability, as assessed with the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for functional recovery. At the 24-month follow-up, both the groups differed substantially with respect to the primary outcomes. The patients in MB injection group showed a mean reduction in pain measured by NRS of 52.50, a mean reduction in Oswestry disability scores of 35.58, and satisfaction rates of 91.6%, compared with 0.70%, 1.68%, and 14.3%, respectively, in placebo treatment group (p<0.001, p<0.001, and p<0.001, respectively). No adverse effects or complications were found in the group of patients treated with intradiscal MB injection. The current clinical trial indicates that the injection of methylene blue into the painful disc is a safe, effective and minimally invasive method for the treatment of intractable and incapacitating discogenic low back pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baogan Peng
- Department of Spinal Surgery, General Hospital of Armed Police Force, Beijing 100039, China Department of Orthopaedics, 304th Hospital, Beijing, China Department of Orthopaedics, Sanhe People Hospital, Hebei, China Department of Orthopaedics, Shengli Hospital, Shandong, China
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Kanayama M, Togawa D, Takahashi C, Terai T, Hashimoto T. Cross-sectional magnetic resonance imaging study of lumbar disc degeneration in 200 healthy individuals. J Neurosurg Spine 2009; 11:501-7. [PMID: 19929349 DOI: 10.3171/2009.5.spine08675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECT The current cross-sectional observational MR imaging study aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of lumbar disc degeneration in a healthy population and to establish the baseline data for a prospective longitudinal study. METHODS Two hundred healthy volunteers participated in this study after providing informed consent. The status of lumbar disc degeneration was assessed by 3 independent observers, who used sagittal T2-weighted MR imaging. Demographic data collected included age, sex, body mass index, episode(s) of low-back pain, smoking status, hours of standing and sitting, and Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire scores. There were 68 men and 132 women whose mean age was 39.7 years (range 30-55 years). Eighty-two individuals (41%) were smokers, and the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire scores were averaged to 0.6/24. RESULTS The prevalence of disc degeneration was 7.0% in L1-2, 12.0% in L2-3, 15.5% in L3-4, 49.5% in L4-5, and 53.0% in L5-S1. A herniated disc was observed at the corresponding levels in 0.5, 3.5, 6.5, 25.0, and 35.0% of cases respectively. Spondylolisthesis was observed in < 3% of this population. Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that age and hours sitting were significantly related to L4-5 disc herniation. Episode of low-back pain, smoking status, body mass index, and hours standing did not affect the prevalence of disc degeneration. CONCLUSIONS The current study established the baseline data of lumbar disc degeneration in a 30- to 55-year-old healthy population for a prospective longitudinal study. Hours spent sitting significantly increased the prevalence of disc herniation, but episode of low-back pain, smoking status, obesity, and standing hours were not significant risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Kanayama
- Spine Center, Hakodate Central General Hospital, Hakodate, Hokkaido, Japan.
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Zhang YG, Guo TM, Guo X, Wu SX. Clinical diagnosis for discogenic low back pain. Int J Biol Sci 2009; 5:647-58. [PMID: 19847321 PMCID: PMC2764347 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.5.647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2009] [Accepted: 10/09/2009] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Discogenic lower back pain (DLBP) is the most common type of chronic lower back pain (LBP), accounting for 39% of cases, compared to 30% of cases due to disc herniation, and even lower prevalence rates for other causes, such as zygapophysial joint pain. Only a small proportion (approximately 20%) of LBP cases can be attributed with reasonable certainty to a pathologic or anatomical entity. Thus, diagnosing the cause of LBP represents the biggest challenge for doctors in this field. In this review, we summarize the process of obtaining a clinical diagnosis of DLBP and discuss the potential for serum-based diagnosis in the near future. The use of serum biomarkers to diagnose DLBP is likely to increase the ease of diagnosis as well as produce more accurate and reproducible results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin-gang Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, First Affiliated Hospital, Medical College of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, PR China.
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Bartynski WS, Ortiz AO. Interventional assessment of the lumbar disk: provocation lumbar diskography and functional anesthetic diskography. Tech Vasc Interv Radiol 2009; 12:33-43. [PMID: 19769905 DOI: 10.1053/j.tvir.2009.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The diagnosis of diskogenic low back pain (LBP) can be elusive. Physical examination of the lumbar disk is limited and imaging offers few objective clues. While invasive, lumbar diskography is a method available to examine or "provoke" the disk directly and determine if LBP is coming from a disk and which disk(s) is responsible for the pain. Once identified, features of the abnormal disk can be evaluated, including the disk's response to intradiskal local anesthetic and disk architecture as observed on diskography imaging and postdiskogram computed tomography. Response to anesthetic can be correlated with imaging features potentially impacting treatment but can also stand alone as an independent objective marker of diskogenic LBP. Here we review the indications for lumbar diskography and the basic lumbar diskogram procedure. We also review the alternative more advanced technique for studying the anesthetic and mechanical features of the disk, functional anesthetic diskography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter S Bartynski
- Department of Radiology, Division of Neuroradiology, Presbyterian University Hospital, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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Can magnetic resonance imaging accurately predict concordant pain provocation during provocative disc injection? Skeletal Radiol 2009; 38:877-85. [PMID: 19430778 DOI: 10.1007/s00256-009-0709-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2008] [Revised: 03/19/2009] [Accepted: 04/20/2009] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To correlate magnetic resonance (MR) image findings with pain response by provocation discography in patients with discogenic low back pain, with an emphasis on the combination analysis of a high intensity zone (HIZ) and disc contour abnormalities. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sixty-two patients (aged 17-68 years) with axial low back pain that was likely to be disc related underwent lumbar discography (178 discs tested). The MR images were evaluated for disc degeneration, disc contour abnormalities, HIZ, and endplate abnormalities. Based on the combination of an HIZ and disc contour abnormalities, four classes were determined: (1) normal or bulging disc without HIZ; (2) normal or bulging disc with HIZ; (3) disc protrusion without HIZ; (4) disc protrusion with HIZ. These MR image findings and a new combined MR classification were analyzed in the base of concordant pain determined by discography. RESULTS Disc protrusion with HIZ [sensitivity 45.5%; specificity 97.8%; positive predictive value (PPV), 87.0%] correlated significantly with concordant pain provocation (P < 0.01). A normal or bulging disc with HIZ was not associated with reproduction of pain. Disc degeneration (sensitivity 95.4%; specificity 38.8%; PPV 33.9%), disc protrusion (sensitivity 68.2%; specificity 80.6%; PPV 53.6%), and HIZ (sensitivity 56.8%; specificity 83.6%; PPV 53.2%) were not helpful in the identification of a disc with concordant pain. CONCLUSION The proposed MR classification is useful to predict a disc with concordant pain. Disc protrusion with HIZ on MR imaging predicted positive discography in patients with discogenic low back pain.
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Pino CA, Ivie CS, Rathmell JP. Lumbar discography: Diagnostic role in discogenic pain. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.1053/j.trap.2009.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Painful disc lesion: can modern biplanar magnetic resonance imaging replace discography? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 21:430-5. [PMID: 18679099 DOI: 10.1097/bsd.0b013e318153f7e4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN A new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) classification of disc degeneration was correlated with discography. It was also studied for intraobserver and interobserver variability in interpreting disc abnormality and for the capability in predicting symptomatic disc. OBJECTIVE To correlate the results of discography with a new MRI classification for disc degeneration and the presence of the vertebral endplate changes and the high intensity zone (HIZ). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA MRI and discography have been compared in numerous studies as methods for detecting disc degeneration. The results were conflicting and the role of MRI in assessing discogenic pain remains ambiguous. METHODS One hundred thirty-one discs in 55 patients were studied with pain provocation discography and MRI. A new MRI classification was correlated to discography and assessed together with the presence of end plate changes and HIZ, by the sensitivity and specificity in predicting a painful disc. RESULTS MRI classification had a good intra and interobserver agreement and a significant correlation with discographic findings. The sensitivity and specificity of MRI in predicting painful disc was 94% and 77%. The sensitivities and specificity of HIZs was 27% and 87% and for end plate changes was 32% and 98%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Although MRI is an excellent investigation for assessing disc morphology it should be interpreted along with discography findings before planning fusion surgery. The proposed MRI classification is a useful aid in predicting painful degenerative disc. The utility of HIZs and end plate changes is limited due to low sensitivity.
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Alyas F, Connell D, Saifuddin A. Upright positional MRI of the lumbar spine. Clin Radiol 2008; 63:1035-48. [PMID: 18718234 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2007.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2007] [Revised: 11/05/2007] [Accepted: 11/12/2007] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Supine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is routinely used in the assessment of low back pain and radiculopathy. However, imaging findings often correlate poorly with clinical findings. This is partly related to the positional dependence of spinal stenosis, which reflects dynamic changes in soft-tissue structures (ligaments, disc, dural sac, epidural fat, and nerve roots). Upright MRI in the flexed, extended, rotated, standing, and bending positions, allows patients to reproduce the positions that bring about their symptoms and may uncover MRI findings that were not visible with routine supine imaging. Assessment of the degree of spinal stability in the degenerate and postoperative lumbar spine is also possible. The aim of this review was to present the current literature concerning both the normal and symptomatic spine as imaged using upright MRI and to illustrate the above findings using clinical examples.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Alyas
- London Upright MRI Centre, London, UK
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Abstract
The anatomical studies, basic to our understanding of lumbar spine innervation through the sinu-vertebral nerves, are reviewed. Research in the 1980s suggested that pain sensation was conducted in part via the sympathetic system. These sensory pathways have now been clarified using sophisticated experimental and histochemical techniques confirming a dual pattern. One route enters the adjacent dorsal root segmentally, whereas the other supply is non-segmental ascending through the paravertebral sympathetic chain with re-entry through the thoracolumbar white rami communicantes. Sensory nerve endings in the degenerative lumbar disc penetrate deep into the disrupted nucleus pulposus, insensitive in the normal lumbar spine. Complex as well as free nerve endings would appear to contribute to pain transmission. The nature and mechanism of discogenic pain is still speculative but there is growing evidence to support a 'visceral pain' hypothesis, unique in the muscloskeletal system. This mechanism is open to 'peripheral sensitisation' and possibly 'central sensitisation' as a potential cause of chronic back pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Edgar
- Surgery UCL, UCLH, Emmanuel Kaye House, 37a Devonshire Street, London W1G 6QA, UK.
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Hancock MJ, Maher CG, Latimer J, Spindler MF, McAuley JH, Laslett M, Bogduk N. Systematic review of tests to identify the disc, SIJ or facet joint as the source of low back pain. 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 2007; 16:1539-50. [PMID: 17566796 PMCID: PMC2078309 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-007-0391-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 197] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2007] [Accepted: 04/19/2007] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Clinical practice guidelines state that the tissue source of low back pain cannot be specified in the majority of patients. However, there has been no systematic review of the accuracy of diagnostic tests used to identify the source of low back pain. The aim of this systematic review was therefore to determine the diagnostic accuracy of tests available to clinicians to identify the disc, facet joint or sacroiliac joint (SIJ) as the source of low back pain. MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL were searched up to February 2006 with citation tracking of eligible studies. Eligible studies compared index tests with an appropriate reference test (discography, facet joint or SIJ blocks or medial branch blocks) in patients with low back pain. Positive likelihood ratios (+LR) > 2 or negative likelihood ratios (-LR) < 0.5 were considered informative. Forty-one studies of moderate quality were included; 28 investigated the disc, 8 the facet joint and 7 the SIJ. Various features observed on MRI (high intensity zone, endplate changes and disc degeneration) produced informative +LR (> 2) in the majority of studies increasing the probability of the disc being the low back pain source. However, heterogeneity of the data prevented pooling. +LR ranged from 1.5 to 5.9, 1.6 to 4.0, and 0.6 to 5.9 for high intensity zone, disc degeneration and endplate changes, respectively. Centralisation was the only clinical feature found to increase the likelihood of the disc as the source of pain: +LR = 2.8 (95%CI 1.4-5.3). Absence of degeneration on MRI was the only test found to reduce the likelihood of the disc as the source of pain: -LR = 0.21 (95%CI 0.12-0.35). While single manual tests of the SIJ were uninformative, their use in combination was informative with +LR of 3.2 (95%CI 2.3-4.4) and -LR of 0.29 (95%CI 0.12-0.35). None of the tests for facet joint pain were found to be informative. The results of this review demonstrate that tests do exist that change the probability of the disc or SIJ (but not the facet joint) as the source of low back pain. However, the changes in probability are usually small and at best moderate. The usefulness of these tests in clinical practice, particularly for guiding treatment selection, remains unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Hancock
- Back Pain Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, PO Box 170, Lidcombe, 1825, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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Wills BP, Mohr RA, Zdeblick TA. Current Status of Imaging of the Intervertebral Disc. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007. [DOI: 10.1053/j.semss.2007.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Podhajsky RJ, Belous A, Johnson K, Maul DH, Finch PM. Effects of monopolar radiofrequency heating on intradiscal pressure in sheep. Spine J 2007; 7:229-34. [PMID: 17321974 DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2006.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2005] [Revised: 03/14/2006] [Accepted: 04/07/2006] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CONTEXT No previous study has assessed the effect of monopolar radiofrequency (RF) heating on intradiscal pressure. PURPOSE To determine the decrease in lumbar intradiscal pressure after monopolar RF heating. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING Intradiscal pressure was measured in sheep lumbar discs treated with monopolar RF heating. METHODS Two monopolar RF heat treatments at 90 degrees C were applied for 2 minutes each to lumbar intervertebral discs of sheep. Intradiscal pressure was measured in live sheep at 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days posttreatment. Pressure measurements were taken with a microtip pressure transducer. Electrodes were inserted but not activated in separate discs as a sham control. In vitro sheep spine of different age groups, loading conditions, and electrode orientations were similarly heat treated and intradiscal pressures were measured. RESULTS Intradiscal pressure was significantly reduced 1 week after monopolar RF heating and remained stable through the 4-week observation period. The RF electrode orientation, the age, and the type of disc loading have significant effects on the amount of initial intradiscal pressure reduction. CONCLUSIONS Monopolar RF heating can reduce intradiscal pressure in the lumbar spine of sheep.
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Peng B, Zhang Y, Hou S, Wu W, Fu X. Intradiscal methylene blue injection for the treatment of chronic discogenic low back pain. 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 2007; 16:33-8. [PMID: 16496191 PMCID: PMC2198898 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-006-0076-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2005] [Revised: 12/31/2005] [Accepted: 01/16/2006] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This article was a preliminary report of prospective clinical trial of a group of patients with chronic discogenic low back pain who met the criteria for lumbar interbody fusion surgery but were treated instead with an intradiscal injection of methylene blue (MB) for the pain relief. Twenty-four patients with chronic discogenic low back pain underwent diagnostic discography with intradiscal injection of MB. The principal criteria to judge the effectiveness included alleviation of pain, assessed by visual analog scale (VAS), and improvement in disability, as assessed with the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for functional recovery. The mean follow-up period was 18.2 months (range 12-23 months). Of the 24 patients, 21 (87%) reported a disappearance or marked alleviation of low back pain, and experienced a definite improvement in physical function. A statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in the changes in the ODI and the VAS scores were obtained in the patients with chronic discogenic low back pain (P=0.0001) after the treatment. The study suggests that the injection of MB into the painful disc may be a very effective alternative for the surgical treatment of chronic discogenic low back pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baogan Peng
- Department of Orthopaedics, 304th Hospital, 51 Fucheng Road, 100037, Beijing, China.
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Pezowicz CA, Schechtman H, Robertson PA, Broom ND. Mechanisms of anular failure resulting from excessive intradiscal pressure: a microstructural-micromechanical investigation. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2006; 31:2891-903. [PMID: 17139219 DOI: 10.1097/01.brs.0000248412.82700.8b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Microstructural/micromechanical investigation of pathways of anular wall disruption. OBJECTIVE To investigate the fundamental mechanisms by which both intralamellar and interlamellar relationships are disrupted by nuclear pressurization. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Understanding how anular failure might occur following increased nuclear pressurization requires an experimental approach that avoids artifactual injury to the anulus but reveals structural disruption resulting directly from the pressurization event. METHODS Bovine motion segments were subjected to internal pressurization using a novel "through vertebra" gel injection method. Intralamellar and interlamellar sections were deliberately chosen so as to expose systematic patterns of structural disruption resulting from the pressurization event. This microdisruption was investigated using a novel method that combined microtensile manipulation and simultaneous differential contrast imaging of the fully hydrated unstained sections. RESULTS The inner anulus was most severely disrupted, the middle regions developed a series of regular clefts along axes of weakness within the in-plane arrays, with only mild array disruption occurring in the outer regions. CONCLUSIONS A mechanism is proposed whereby an anular failure pathway, driven by hydrostatic nuclear pressure, could track through the complex anular structures via a set of disruptive events causing weakening of both the in-plane and interlamellar junction interconnections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celina A Pezowicz
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Wroclaw University of Technology, Wroclaw, Poland
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Zhou Y, Abdi S. Diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment of lumbar discogenic pain--a review of the literature. Clin J Pain 2006; 22:468-81. [PMID: 16772802 DOI: 10.1097/01.ajp.0000208244.33498.05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Diagnosis and treatment of lumbar discogenic pain due to internal disc disruption (IDD) remains a challenge. It accounts for 39% of patients with low back pain. The mechanism of discogenic pain remains unclear and its clinical presentation is atypical. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can find high-intensity zone as an indirect indication of IDD. However, relative low sensitivity (26.7% to 59%) and high false-positive (24%) and false-negative (38%) rates reduce the value of MRI in screening for the existence of painful IDD. Provocative discography can provide unique information about the pain source and the morphology of the disc. It may also provide information for selecting appropriate treatment for the painful annular tear. Adjunctive therapies, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, rehabilitation, antidepressants, antiepileptics, and acupuncture, have been used for low back pain. The value of these treatments for discogenic pain is yet to be established. Intradiscal steroid injection has not been proved to provide long-term benefits. Intradiscal electrothermal therapy may offer some pain relief for a group of well-selected patients. No benefits have been found for the intradiscal radiofrequency thermocoagulation. A block in the ramus communicans may interfere with the transition of painful information from the discs to the central nervous system. Disc cell transplantation is in the experimental stage. It has the potential to become a useful tool for the prevention and treatment of discogenic pain. Minimally invasive treatments provide alternatives for discogenic pain with the appeal of cost-effectiveness and, possibly, less long-term side effects. However, the value of most of these therapies is yet to be established. More basic science and clinical studies are needed to improve the clinical efficacy of minimally invasive treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- YiLi Zhou
- University of Florida, Comprehensive Pain Management, Lake City, FL 32055, USA.
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