Intervertebral Disc Herniation Research Articles

Prevalence and clinical features of thoracolumbar intervertebral disc-associated epidural hemorrhage in dogs.

BackgroundIntervertebral disc‐associated epidural hemorrhage (EH) in dogs is a poorly understood neurological condition.ObjectiveTo compare the clinical presentation, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes, and clinical outcome of dogs with acute thoracolumbar intervertebral disc herniation (TL‐IVDH) with and without EH.AnimalsOne hundred sixty client‐owned dogs that underwent MRI and hemilaminectomy for acute TL‐IVDH at a private practice in Colorado, including 63 dogs with EH and 97 dogs without EH.MethodsRetrospective review of medical record data from 160 dogs presenting sequentially to a single practice with acute TL‐IVDH that underwent MRI and hemilaminectomy surgery.ResultsSixty‐three of 160 (39%) dogs had confirmed EH. French Bulldogs were significantly overrepresented (23/63; odds ratio [OR]: 4.1; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.8‐9.0; P < .001) of the EH cases. Dogs with EH were more likely to present with clinical signs less than 48 hours than were dogs without EH (24‐48 vs 48‐72 hours; OR: 2.4; 95% CI: 1.2‐4.6; P = .02) and were more likely to be nonambulatory on presentation (OR: 2.1; 95% CI: 1.0‐4.1; P = .04). Dogs with EH were more likely to have <50% cross‐sectional spinal cord compression than dogs without EH (OR: 2.3 vs. 0.4; 95% CI: 1.2‐4.4 and 0.2‐0.9, respectively), longer longitudinal spinal cord compression (3 spaces vs 1 space, P < .001), and greater intrinsic spinal cord change (grade 3/severe vs grade 1/mild; P < .001) based on MRI. The location of the intervertebral disc herniation in French Bulldogs with EH was more likely to be thoracolumbar (OR: 10.8; 95% CI: 2.1‐55.7; P = .03).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceFrench Bulldogs have a high prevalence of intervertebral disc‐associated EH. Dogs with EH have a shorter clinical course and are more likely to be nonambulatory on initial presentation.

Treatment of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) causes a variety of signs and symptoms, such as low back pain (LBP), intervertebral disc herniation, and spinal stenosis, which contribute to high social and economic costs. IDD results from many factors, including genetic factors, aging, mechanical injury, malnutrition, and so on. The pathological changes of IDD are mainly composed of the senescence and apoptosis of nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs), the progressive degeneration of extracellular matrix (ECM), the fibrosis of annulus fibrosus (AF), and the inflammatory response. At present, IDD can be treated by conservative treatment and surgical treatment based on patients' symptoms. However, all of these can only release the pain but cannot reverse IDD and reconstruct the mechanical function of the spine. The latest research is moving towards the field of biotherapy. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are regard as the potential therapy of IDD because of their ability to self‐renew and differentiate into a variety of tissues. Moreover, the non‐coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are found to regulate many vital processes in IDD. There have been many successes in the in vitro and animal studies of using biotherapy to treat IDD, but how to transform the experimental data to real therapy which can apply to humans is still a challenge. This article mainly reviews the treatment strategies and research progress of IDD and indicates that there are many problems that need to be solved if the new biotherapy is to be applied to clinical treatment of IDD. This will provide reference and guidance for clinical treatment and research direction of IDD.

A Case of Painful Legs and Moving Toes Syndrome in a Young Woman

Painful legs and moving toes syndrome (PLMT) is a rare syndrome characterized by pain in the lower extremities and involuntary movements of single or multiple toes. A 29-year-old woman with lumbosacral intervertebral disc herniation complained of bilateral foot pain and involuntary toe movements for three months. This is the first case of PLMT in a young adult patient with a lumbosacral intervertebral disc herniation in Korea.

Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy for Lumbar Disc Herniation With Type II Modic Changes

Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) has become a favorable surgical approach for lumbar radiculopathy caused by intervertebral disc herniation. Studies have revealed patients with type II Modic change may suffer from unrelieved low back pain and higher lumbar disc herniation (LDH) recurrence after herniated nucleus pulposus removal. Therefore, in this study, we aim to evaluate how PELD performed in management of LDH patients with type II Modic change. We collected 267 single-level LDH cases aged 20-50 yearswho underwent PELD from December 2016 to December 2019. The mean follow-up time was 26.3 months (range: 12-48 months). The visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and MacNab scores, as well as the recurrence rate, were analyzed pre- and post-surgery, as well as at the time points of 3 months, 12 months, and the final follow-up time after surgery. The clinical outcomes in LDH patients with or without type II Modic change who underwent PELD were thoroughly analyzed. Within the 267 LDH patients enrolled, 145 cases present Modic signals, among which 3 are type I and 142 are type II. The VAS and ODI scores of the patients in the 2 groups at different follow-up times were significantly lower than those before surgery. The excellent and good MacNab scores in the control group and Modic type II change group were 87.0% and 82.1%, respectively. However, with the extension of follow-up time, the VAS and ODI scores, as well as the recurrence rate, were found to be higher in the type II Modic change group when compared with those in the non-Modic change group. PELD performed well in management of LDH patients. However, we need to pay more attention to the continuous low back pain and the recurrence possibility in the cases with type II Modic change. In these cases, longer brace support or other interventions could be applied.

Effectiveness of intra-venous steroids for preventing surgery for lumbo-sacral radiculopathy secondary to intervertebral disc herniation: a retrospective study of 213 patients

The natural history of lumbar disc herniation with radiculopathy is favorable, with 95% of patients expected to be pain-free within 6 months of onset. Despite the favorable prognosis, operative treatment is often chosen by patients unable to “ride out” the radicular episode. Prospective studies comparing surgical with non-surgical treatment have demonstrated similar long-term results. We conducted a retrospective case-series study of patients with a lumbar disc herniation and intractable radicular pain without significant neurological deficits treated with intra-venous dexamethasone. The primary outcome measure was whether the patient had undergone operative treatment within 1 year of receiving the intravenous steroid treatment. 213 patients met our inclusion criteria. 30 were lost to follow-up and 2 had died before completing 1 year of follow-up. Of the remaining 181 patients, 133 (73.48%) had not undergone surgery within 1 year of receiving intra-venous steroid treatment while 48 (26.51%) had undergone surgery. 6 (3.31%) of the patients had undergone surgery more than 1 year of receiving IV steroid treatment. Intravenous steroid treatment in our retrospective series was approximately 30% better at preventing the need for surgery than the reported outcomes of conservative treatment in randomized controlled trials previously published.

Comparison and optimization of sheep in vivo intervertebral disc injury model.

BackgroundThe current standard of care for intervertebral disc (IVD) herniation, surgical discectomy, does not repair annulus fibrosus (AF) defects, which is partly due to the lack of effective methods to do so and is why new repair strategies are widely investigated and tested preclinically. There is a need to develop a standardized IVD injury model in large animals to enable comparison and interpretation across preclinical study results. The purpose of this study was to compare in vivo IVD injury models in sheep to determine which annulus fibrosus (AF) defect type combined with partial nucleus pulposus (NP) removal would better mimic degenerative human spinal pathologies.MethodsSix skeletally mature sheep were randomly assigned to one of the two observation periods (1 and 3 months) and underwent creation of 3 different AF defect types (slit, cruciate, and box‐cut AF defects) in conjunction with 0.1 g NP removal in three lumbar levels using a lateral retroperitoneal surgical approach. The spine was monitored by clinical CT scans pre‐ and postoperatively, at 2 weeks and euthanasia, and by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histology after euthanasia to determine the severity of degeneration (disc height loss, Pfirrmann grading, semiquantitative histopathology grading).ResultsAll AF defects led to significant degenerative changes detectable on CT and MR images, produced bulging of disc tissue without disc herniation and led to degenerative and inflammatory histopathological changes. However, AF defects were not equal in terms of disc height loss at 3 months postoperatively; the cruciate and box‐cut AF defects showed significantly decreased disc height compared to their preoperative height, with the box‐cut defect creating the greatest disc height loss, while the slit AF defect showed restoration of normal preoperative disc height.ConclusionsThe tested IVD injury models do not all generate comparable disc degeneration but can be considered suitable IVD injury models to investigate new treatments. Results of the current study clearly indicate that slit AF defect should be avoided if disc height is used as one of the main outcomes; additional confirmatory studies may be warranted to generalize this finding.

Sacral Epidural Laser Discectomy Efficacy in Non-Operated Lumbar Disc Herniation-A Single Center Experience

Sacral Epidural Laser Discectomy (SELD) which is an effective and minimally invasive procedure for the direct visualization and therapeutic treatment of pain due to spinal disorders. The aim of this study is to share the effect of SELD on clinical findings and pain. 43 patients who had not undergone back surgery and were found to have lumbar intervertebral disc herniation at L4-5 or L5-S1 level without any indication for back surgery, and who underwent SELD for the treatment patients with low back and/or radicular pain were evaluated. Physical examination findings (the straight leg raising test (SLR) <45 degrees positive(+), SLR >45 degrees negative(-) test were accepted) and visual pain scale (VAS) values were evaluated at admission, on the same day of post-op, 1st and 6th months. Disc herniation was observed at L4-5 level in 27 patients (62.79%) and at L5-S1 level in 16 patients (37.21%). 31 patients (72.09%) benefited from SELD treatment, while surgery was recommended for 10 patients (23.26%). With SELD procedure no permanent complication was observed. The clinical response of SELD according to the lumbar disc level, a more significant improvement was found in both physical examination and VAS scores in patients with disc herniation at the L5-S1 level (p<0.001). There was no statistically significant relationship between the SLR (+) side and the outcome. SELD is a more effective option, especially in patients with good physical examination findings at admission and mild-to-moderate soft disc herniation at the L5-S1 level.

Circulating neutrophil activation in dogs with naturally occurring spinal cord injury secondary to intervertebral disk herniation.

To investigate the time course of circulating neutrophil priming and activity in dogs with spinal cord injury secondary to intervertebral disk herniation that undergo decompressive surgery. 9 dogs with spinal cord injury and 9 healthy dogs (controls). For dogs with spinal cord injury, blood samples were collected on the day of hospital admission and 3, 7, 30, and 90 days after injury and decompressive surgery. A single blood sample was collected from the control dogs. Flow cytometry analysis was performed on isolated neutrophils incubated with antibody against CD11b and nonfluorescent dihydrorhodamine 123, which was converted to fluorescent rhodamine 123 to measure oxidative burst activity. Expression of CD11b was increased in dogs with spinal cord injury 3 days after injury and decompressive surgery, relative to day 7 expression. Neutrophils expressed high oxidative burst activity both 3 and 7 days after injury and decompressive surgery, compared with activity in healthy dogs. For dogs with spinal cord injury, high CD11b expression 3 days after injury and decompressive surgery was consistent with findings for rodents with experimentally induced spinal cord injury. However, the high oxidative burst activity 3 and 7 days after injury and decompressive surgery was not consistent with data from other species, and additional studies on inflammatory events in dogs with naturally occurring spinal cord injury are needed.

B-mode ultrasonography of herniated cervical discs in young people

The aim: to evaluate the possibilities of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of herniated cervical intervertebral discs in young people.&#x0D; Material and methods: an analysis of the results of USG in 29 patients with cervical IVD hernia revealed by MRI from 123 patients aged 18–44 years, with complaints of neck pain of varying intensity, duration, and irradiation. 23 (79.3 %) patients had clinical signs of cervical radiculopathy. The results of the ultrasonography (USG) were compared with MRI. USG was conducted on a Philips HD 11XE scanner using a 4–9 MHz frequency transducer; MRI – General Electric, Signa HDI, 1.5T.&#x0D; Results: in 13 (44.8±9.2 %) cases the hernia was registered in the C5-C6 disk, in 12 (41.4±9.0 %) – in the C4-C5 disk, in 2 (6.9±4.7 %) – in the disk C3-C4 and in 2 (6.9±4.7 %) – in the disk C6-C7. In discs C5-C6 and C4-C5 hernia was formed significantly (p&lt;0.01 and p&lt;0.001) more often than in discs C2-C3 and C6-C7. Paramedian hernia was diagnosed in 13 (44.8±9.2 %) cases, posterior – in 12 (41.4±9.1 %), median – in 4 (13.8±6.4 %). Paramedian and posterolateral hernias were registered significantly more often than median (p&lt;0.01 and p&lt;0.05).&#x0D; Conclusions: A direct sign of a herniated cervical intervertebral disc is its uneven protrusion with a discontinuous image of the fibrous ring into the lumen of the spinal canal and spinal nerve canal more than 4 mm. An indirect sign of a herniated cervical intervertebral disc is a local deformation of the anterior epidural space with the absence of its visualization. Ultrasonography is a reliable method for diagnosing herniated cervical intervertebral discs, both in segments and inside the spinal canal. The method can be used to find out the causes of neck pain in young people

Successful rehabilitation program after AIS/Frankel C paraplegia through a recently operated lumbar disc hernia

Intervertebral disc herniation is the pathological process by which fragments of the nucleus pul-posus tear the fibers of the annulus fibrosus and come into contact with the root of the spinal nerve (1). The most significant functional damage generated by the lumbar disc herniation is paraplegia and can be ameliorated by an early and staged specific rehabilitation program. Materials and Methods: This paper presents the case of a 56-year-old patient who was admitted to the Neurosurgery Clinic (NCH) III of SCUBA for low back pain and motor deficit, AIS Frankel C paraplegia. The left lower limb was more affected than the right one. It occurred following a thoraco-lumbar medullary compression and a paramedian lumbar disc herniation L3. The pa-tient was treated surgically. Subsequently, the patient was transferred to the Neuro-Muscular Recovery Clinic of SCUBA for the specific rehabilitation treatment, with indication for mobiliza-tion. He was dynamically evaluated using the following scales: quality of life assessment (QOL), modified Ashworth scale, Functional Assessment Classification, FAC, Activities of daily living (ADL), Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM), evaluation of muscle strength on Medical Re-search Council, MRC, scale, evaluation of American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS). Results: The patient benefited from a complex program of neuro-muscular rehabilitation, hav-ing a favorable evolution with an improving score of the evaluating scales and finally gaining his gait balance, including ascending and descending stairs (instrumentally assisted for left plan-tar dorsiflexion movement with orthosis walking). At discharge the patient’s neurological defi-cit was reclassified as AIS D paraplegia, with the neurogenic bladder and bowel having been remitted. Discussions: The disc herniation at L3 level generated a cauda equina syndrome, which initially generated a paraplegia. When the inflammation remitted it became clear that the left L4 root was affected, with a complete deficit of plantar dorsiflexion. In conclusion it was not a case of spinal cord syndrome (as the spinal cord ends at L2 level) or conus medullaris syndrome. Conclusions: The interdisciplinary therapeutic approach together with a specific, customized re-habilitation program for a patient with AIS C paraplegia after a surgically treated disc hernia is successfully improving the neuromuscular deficit and upgrading the patient's quality of life. Keywords: rehabilitation, disc hernia, low back pain, paraplegia

Clinical signs, MRI findings and long-term outcomes of foraminal and far lateral thoracolumbar intervertebral disc herniations in dogs.

As they have been seldomly described in the veterinary literature, the aims of this retrospective study were to describe the clinical presentation, MRI findings and long-term outcome after medical or surgical treatment of dogs presenting with foraminal and far lateral thoracolumbar intervertebral disc herniations. Retrospective multicentre study of dogs diagnosed with foraminal and far lateral thoracolumbar intervertebral disc herniations between 2009 and 2020 in seven referral hospitals. Thirty-seven dogs were included. Dachshunds and mixed breeds were most affected. Median age at presentation and duration of clinical signs were 6 years and 14 days, respectively. Pain was the most frequent clinical finding (92%), particularly on spinal palpation and/or hip manipulation, followed by pelvic limb lameness (71%). Eighty-seven percent of herniations occurred at L5-L6 or L6-L7. A good to excellent outcome was seen in 95% of surgically and 90% of medically treated dogs. Although much less frequently recognised than herniation affecting the vertebral canal, foraminal and far lateral thoracolumbar intervertebral disc herniations should be considered in the differential diagnosis list of chondrodystrophic dogs presenting with pain and pelvic limb lameness. Most dogs had a good to excellent outcome following medical or surgical treatment.

The substantial clinical benefit of comprehensively considering low back pain and radiating pain caused by lumbar intervertebral disc herniation.

Patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH) may experience low back pain (LBP) and radiating pain (RP). Currently, there is no substantial clinical benefit (SCB) of assessing both LBP and RP due to LDH. To determine enhanced SCB values by simultaneously assessing LBP and RP. We retrospectively evaluated hospitalized LDH patients with concomitant LBP and RP between June 1, 2012, and May 31, 2013, and determined the numeric rating scale (NRS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores at admission and discharge. Furthermore, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was computed to assess diagnostic accuracy. SCB as per NRS for both LBP and RP was -2.50 in the 186 enrolled patients (AUC: 0.699 and 0.704, respectively). SCB as per ODI was -18.78 (AUC: 0.771). SCB for the mean of the two NRS scores for LBP and RP was -2.75 (AUC: 0.757). SCB for NRS score with a larger change in LBP and RP was -3.50 (AUC: 0.767). SCB may be determined by comprehensively considering LBP and RP and choosing the mean NRS or NRS score with a large change.

The Role of IL-17-Mediated Inflammatory Processes in the Pathogenesis of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration and Herniation: A Comprehensive Review.

It has been reported that degenerated and herniated lumbar intervertebral discs show high expression of IL-17, suggesting that local immune reactions occur in patients with low back pain. While clinical sample analyses from different laboratories confirm this, it is not deeply not known on how IL-17 is induced in the pathology and their interactions with other inflammatory responses. This conscience review organizes current laboratory findings on this topic and present trajectory for full understanding on the role of IL-17 in pathology of intervertebral disc disease.

The involvement of immune system in intervertebral disc herniation and degeneration.

Intervertebral disc (IVD) herniation and degeneration contributes significantly to low back pain (LBP), of which the molecular pathogenesis is not fully understood. Disc herniation may cause LBP and radicular pain, but not all LBP patients have disc herniation. Degenerated discs could be the source of pain, but not all degenerated discs are symptomatic. We previously found that disc degeneration and herniation accompanied by inflammation. We further found that anti‐inflammatory molecules blocked immune responses, alleviated IVD degeneration and pain. Based on our recent findings and the work of others, we hypothesize that immune system may play a prominent role in the production of disc herniation or disc degeneration associated pain. While the nucleus pulposus (NP) is an immune‐privileged organ, the damage of the physical barrier between NP and systemic circulation, or the innervation and vascularization of the degenerated NP, on one hand exposes NP as a foreign antigen to immune system, and on the other hand presents compression on the nerve root or dorsal root ganglion (DRG), which both elicit immune responses induced by immune cells and their mediators. The inflammation can remain for a long time at remote distance, with various types of cytokines and immune cells involved in this pain‐inducing process. In this review, we aim to revisit the autoimmunity of the NP, immune cell infiltration after break of physical barrier, the inflammatory activities in the DRG and the generation of pain. We also summarize the involvement of immune system, including immune cells and cytokines, in degenerated or herniated IVDs and affected DRG.

Investigation on the biomechanical behaviour of the lower cervical spine induced by facet tropism with respect to the sagittal plane

Clinic observations have shown that facet tropism with respect to the sagittal plane is associated with cervical degeneration, but their mechanisms haven't been clearly revealed. This study developed different levels of facet tropism musculoskeletal multi-body dynamics cervical models to investigate the biomechanical effect on the intervertebral compressive force (ICF), intervertebral shear force (ISF), facet joint force (FJF) and intervertebral disc displacement (IDD) during head flexion, extension, lateral bending and axial rotation movements. Results showed that the ICFs at the asymmetrical levels of the severe facet tropism models increased by 9.33% and 15.34% respectively during extension and right lateral bending, but did not change significantly during axial rotation. The ISFs at the asymmetrical levels of the severe facet tropism models increased by 56.64% and 164.40% respectively during right lateral bending and right axial rotation. The corresponding IDDs in medial-lateral direction at asymmetrical level also increased greatly during extension, right lateral bending and right axial rotation. The FJFs at asymmetrical level of the severe facet tropism models decreased by 3.41%, 10.55% and 9.19% during extension, right lateral bending and left axial rotation, but increased by 22.62% during right axial rotation. Facet tropism increased the ICFs, ISFs and IDDs of the asymmetrical level, but reduced the protection against cervical excessive motion during certain head movements. The results suggested that facet tropism may contribute to the initiation or enhancement of the process of intervertebral disc degeneration, especially intervertebral disc herniation.

EPIDURAL INJECTIONS IN THE TREATMENT OF RADICULAR SYNDROME AND CHRONIC LUMBAR PAIN IN DEGENERATIVE-DYSTROPHIC SPINE DAMAGE

Aim. To investigate the methodology and effectiveness of epidural steroid injection for radicular syndrome and lower back pain caused by degenerative-dystrophic process.&#x0D; Research methods: bibliosemantic, comparative, systemic.&#x0D; Results. A literature review and our study proved a high efficacy of both monotherapy and combined epidural steroid injections in treatment of chronic lumbar pain and radicular syndrome caused by degenerative-dystrophic spine damage. Epidural steroid injections are indicated for intervertebral disc herniation, spondyloarthritis, spinal canal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, which cause chronic lumbar pain, radicular syndrome. Epidural steroid blockades with stable remission were proved to have positive result in 20 to 100% of cases, averaging more than 80%. Anesthetics, corticosteroids, enzymes, and vitamins are administered to the epidural cavity to relieve pain and inflammation, but most authors still prefer steroids. Corticosteroids reduce the inflammatory response and oedema by inhibiting the synthesis and release of numerous anti-inflammatory mediators and cause the reverse local anaesthetic effect. Different approaches are used to introduce drugs into the epidural cavity: interlaminar, caudal and transforaminal; the method of long-term local pharmacotherapy is used. Interlaminar epidural steroid injection is as effective as transforaminal epidural injection. The middle interlaminar access is less traumatic. The choice of the administration technique depends on specialist experience and preferences. Epidural injections are performed both by a “blind method” (without imaging) and under control (fluoroscopy, ultrasound and CT) in order to improve the safety and carefulness of pharmacological drug administration. The equivalence of fluoroscopic, ultrasound and CT control of epidural injection in terms of treatment efficacy has been proved.&#x0D; Conclusions. Taking into account the high effectiveness of epidural steroid injections, the possibility of outpatient treatment in the absence of complications, makes it the method of choice in the treatment of radicular and lumbar pain caused by degenerative damage of the lumbar spine, after ineffective treatment.

The Effects of FGF4 Retrogenes on Canine Morphology.

Two FGF4 retrogenes (FGF4L1 on chromosome 18 and FGF4L2 on chromosome 12) have been identified to cause dwarfism across many dog breeds. Some breeds are nearly homozygous for both retrogenes (e.g., Dachshunds) and others are homozygous for just one (e.g., Beagles and Scottish Terriers). Since most breeds do not segregate both of these retrogenes, it is challenging to evaluate their individual effects on long bone length and body size. We identified two dog breeds selected for hunting ability, the Alpine Dachsbracke and the Schweizer Niederlaufhund, that segregate both of these retrogenes. Using individual measurements of height at the shoulder, back length, head width, thorax depth and width, and thoracic limb measurements, we evaluated the combined effects of FGF4 retrogenes within these breeds. We applied multivariable linear regression analysis to determine the effects of retrogene copy numbers on the measurements. Copy numbers of both retrogenes had significant effects reducing height at the shoulders and antebrachial length, with FGF4L1 having a much greater effect than FGF4L2. FGF4L1 alone influenced the degree of carpal valgus and FGF4L2 alone increased head width. Neither retrogene had an effect on thorax width or depth. Selectively breeding dogs with FGF4L1 and without FGF4L2 would likely lead to a reduction in the FGF4L2-related risk of intervertebral disc herniation while maintaining the reduction in leg length resulting from FGF4L1.

The role of IL-6, IL-10, and PGE2 in the treatment of intervertebral disc herniation by dual-channel endoscopic lumbar discectomy.

is the This study aimed to explore the role of IL-6, IL-10, and PGE2 in the treatment of intervertebral disc herniation with dual-channel endoscopic lumbar discectomy. For this purpose, we selected 182 patients with intervertebral disc herniation in our hospital and randomly divided them into the control group and the study group according to the order of admission, of which 85 cases were in the control group, 97 cases in the study group, and control group was treated with conventional lumbar discectomy; the study group was treated with dual-channel spine endoscopic lumbar discectomy to observe and compare the operation-related indexes, lumbar function indexes, clinical effects, serum-related indexes and the evaluation value of the two groups of patients. Results showed that the operation time, incision length, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, and postoperative pain scores of the study group were lower than those of the control group (p<0.05); the ODI and RMQ scores of the study group after treatment were lower than those of the control group (P<0.05). The excellent and good rate of the study group was 89.69% higher than that of the control group 77.65% (p<0.05); the levels of IL-6 and PGE2 in the study group after treatment were lower than those of the control group, and the IL-10 level was higher than that of the control group. (P<0.05); Using the lumbar spine function score as the comparison standard: IL-6, IL-10, PGE2 for the evaluation value of dual-channel endoscopic lumbar discectomy for the treatment of intervertebral disc herniation: sensitivity 96.18%, specificity 96.27%, the accuracy of 97.06% was higher than the single diagnosis result (P<0.05. It is worthy of clinical promotion. IL-6, IL-10, PGE2 predict dual-channel spine Endoscopic lumbar discectomy for the treatment of intervertebral disc herniation has high prognostic sensitivity and accuracy, which can provide references for clinical treatment and prognostic medication.

Interleukin-1β More Than Mechanical Loading Induces a Degenerative Phenotype in Human Annulus Fibrosus Cells, Partially Impaired by Anti-Proteolytic Activity of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Secretome.

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (MSC)–based therapies for low back pain and intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration have been emerging, despite the poor knowledge of their full mechanism of action. As failure of the annulus fibrosus (AF) is often associated with IVD herniation and inflammation, the objective of the present study was to investigate the impact of the MSC secretome on human AF cells exposed to mechanical loading and a pro-inflammatory environment. Human AF cells isolated from IVD biopsies from patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) or disc degeneration (DD) were exposed to physiological cyclic tensile strain (CTS) for 72 h in a custom-made device, with or without interleukin (IL)-1β medium supplementation. AF cells stimulated with CTS + IL-1β were then treated with secretome from IL-1β–preconditioned MSCs for 48 h. AF cell metabolic activity, gene expression, protein secretion, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity, and tissue inhibitor of MMPs (TIMP) concentration were evaluated. Expanded AF cells from AIS and DD patients revealed similar metabolic activity and gene expression profiles. CTS stimulation upregulated collagen type I (COL1A1) expression, while IL-1β significantly stimulated IL-6, IL-8, MMP-1, and MMP-3 gene expression and prostaglandin E2 production by AF cells but downregulated COL1A1. The combination of CTS + IL-1β had a similar outcome as IL-1β alone, accompanied by a significant upregulation of elastin. The MSC secretome did not show any immunomodulatory effect on CTS + IL-1β–stimulated AF cells but significantly decreased MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, and MMP-9, while increasing the production of TIMP-1. The obtained results demonstrate a stronger impact of the inflammatory milieu on human AF cells than upper physiologic mechanical stress. In addition, a new MSC mechanism of action in degenerated IVD consisting of the modulation of AF MMP activity was also evidenced, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in AF tissue metabolism.

Korean Medicine Clinical Practice Guidelines for Lumbar Herniated Intervertebral Disc in Adults: Based on Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE).

A significant number of individuals suffer from low back pain throughout their lifetime, and the medical costs related to low back pain and disc herniation are gradually increasing in Korea. Korean medicine interventions have been used for the treatment of lumbar intervertebral disc herniation. Therefore, we aimed to update the existing Korean medicine clinical practice guidelines for lumbar intervertebral disc herniation. A review of the existing guidelines for clinical treatment and analysis of questionnaires targeting Korean medicine doctors were performed. Subsequently, key questions on the treatment method of Korean medicine used for disc herniation in actual clinical trials were derived, and drafts of recommendations were formed after literature searches using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation. An expert consensus was reached on the draft through the Delphi method and final recommendations were made through review by the development project team and the monitoring committee. Fifteen recommendations for seven interventions for lumbar disc herniation were derived, along with the grade of recommendation and the level of evidence. The existing Korean medicine clinical practice guidelines for lumbar intervertebral disc herniation have been updated. Continuous updates will be needed through additional research in the future.