Lumbosacral Intervertebral Disc Research Articles

Effect of Glycemic Disorders and Habits on the Concentration of Selected Neurotrophic Factors in Patients with Lumbosacral Intervertebral Disc Degeneration.

Unhealthy habits, such as overeating processed and high-calorie foods, alcohol abuse, and smoking, negatively impact human health. It has been suggested that the inflammatory process and the resulting growth of nerve fibers within the intervertebral disc (IVD) fissures is the main reason for the pain accompanying IVD degeneration (IVDD). The aim of this study was to determine whether smoking, alcohol consumption, overweight/obesity, or diabetes comorbidity contribute to the development of IVDD and how the aforementioned factors affect the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and growth associated protein 43 (GAP-43) in the study and control groups (intervertebral discs, IVDs from cadavers, and serum samples from voluntary blood donors). The study group comprised 113 patients diagnosed with IVDD who qualified for microdiscectomy. Two control groups (I and II) were used in this study. The first included 81 IVDs obtained from Caucasian human cadavers. Control group II, on the other hand, included serum samples obtained from 113 voluntary blood donors. The expression profiles of BDNF, GDNF, and GAP-43 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Our statistical analysis confirmed that patients who were overweight/obese, smoked tobacco, consumed alcohol, or had diabetes had a higher risk of IVDD (OR > 1). Statistical analysis showed that BDNF, GAP-43, and GDNF concentrations were significantly higher in the IVDs and serum samples obtained from the study group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In addition, higher levels of BDNF, GDNF, and GAP-43 were noted in IVDD patients who consumed alcohol, smoked tobacco, were overweight/obese, or had comorbid diabetes compared to patients without these risk factors (p < 0.05). We showed that changes in energy metabolism, habits, and lifestyle, as well as the degenerative process of IVD in the lumbosacral spine contribute to changing the concentration profile of the analyzed neurotrophic factors.

Correlation Between Common Carotid Artery Intima-Media Thickness and Lumbosacral Intervertebral Disc Degeneration

Background: Lumbosacral intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a common cause of low back pain and has recently been attributed to ischemic causes. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can accurately assess the presence and degree of IDD, while the common carotid artery (CCA) intima-media thickness (IMT) measured on ultrasound (US) has been accepted as a reliable imaging marker for the presence of atherosclerosis. Aim of the Study: To assess the association between CCA-IMT with the presence and grade of lumbosacral IVD as evident on MRI in patients with LBP. Patient and Methods: This cross-sectional study was done on 200 patients with LBP (115 females and 85 males) referred for lumbosacral spinal MRI at the MRI unit in AL-Sader Medical City for eight months duration. MRI examination involved L1/L2 ,L2/L3,L3/4 ,L4/L5 \&amp; L5/S1 intervertebral discs levels. Patients with a history of lumbosacral surgery, trauma, or tumor were excluded. CCA-IMT was measured using a B-mode US scan, while the degree of IDD was assessed on MRI using I-V Pfirrmann's grading system. Results: Older age, male gender, higher body mass index, presence of cardiovascular comorbidities, and specific occupations were associated with a higher grade of IDD. However, the mean CCA-IMT was independently associated with the advancing grade of IDD at all levels with a statistically significant difference (P&lt;0.001). A significantly larger mean CCA-IMT was found in relation to grade V (0.946 ±0.28), and the lowest mean was found in those with grade I (0.468 ±0.1). The grading of IDD was fair in the prediction of thicker CCA-IMT. Conclusion: IDD was directly correlated with CCA-IMT, and patients with higher grades of IDC tend to have thicker mean CCA-IMT. IDD may be a manifestation or predictor of atherosclerosis. However, future long-term cohort studies to assess causal association are recommended.

Outcomes of surgically and conservatively managed thoracolumbar and lumbosacral intervertebral disc herniations in cats.

Limited information is available regarding intervertebral disc herniation (IVDH) and its treatment in cats. Describe outcomes after surgical or conservative treatment of cats with thoracolumbar and lumbosacral IVDH. Ninety-two cats from 2 referral populations (2012-2022) with compressive IVDH between the T3 and S1 vertebrae. Retrospective cohort study evaluating outcomes of surgical (49 cats) and conservative (36 cats) management of IVDH; 7 cats were euthanized at diagnosis. Outcome was assessed using hospital and referring veterinarian records and client questionnaires. Successful outcome was defined as regained or improved ambulation, urinary and fecal continence, and no requirement for analgesic medication. Incidence of IVDH during the study period was 0.44% (92/20849). Surgical treatment resulted in 62% (6 weeks) and 74% success (6 months). Conservative treatment resulted in 54% (6 weeks) and 65% success (6 months). Neurological grade at presentation was higher in cats treated surgically (median, 2; range, 1-5) than in those treated conservatively (median, 2; range, 0-4; P = .001). Regardless of treatment type, cats suffering trauma were more likely to have a successful outcome 6 weeks after treatment compared with those without history of trauma (odds ratio, 5.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-26.78; P = .04). Neurological deficits remained in the majority of cats for both treatment types (92%, conservative; 86%, surgical at 6 weeks). Acute-on-chronic IVDH with characteristics of both extrusion and protrusion were identified in 10% of cats. Conservative treatment could be as effective as surgical decompression in cats with thoracolumbar or lumbosacral IVDH.

Prevalence, MRI findings, and clinical features of lumbosacral intervertebral disc protrusion in French Bulldogs diagnosed with acute thoracic or lumbar intervertebral disc extrusion

Prevalence, MRI findings, and clinical features of lumbosacral intervertebral disc protrusion in French Bulldogs diagnosed with acute thoracic or lumbar intervertebral disc extrusion

Accuracy of low-field magnetic resonance imaging for differentiating intervertebral disc extrusions and protrusions at the lumbosacral disc space in dogs.

MRI features differentiating extrusion from protrusion in thoracolumbar discs have been published, however little specifically evaluates the lumbosacral disc. The high prevalence of degenerative changes in apparently normal animals complicates assessment of this region and features relevant elsewhere in the spine may not apply. The aims of this study were to determine the accuracy of MRI in differentiating IVDE and IVDP at the lumbosacral disc space in dogs and determine which MRI characteristics discriminate between IVDE and IVDP. MRI examinations from dogs with surgically confirmed IVDE or IVDP at the lumbosacral disc space were collected retrospectively (2011-2019). Two radiologists independently recorded a diagnosis of IVDE or IVDP, gave a confidence rating, and evaluated specific MRI features. Univariable statistical analysis was performed to identify which MRI characteristics might help distinguish IVDE from IVDP. 117 dogs with lumbosacral IVDE (n = 16) or IVDP (n = 101) were included. Features associated with IVDE were in concordance with previous studies and included interruption of the dorsal annulus, suspected epidural hemorrhage, dispersed (rather than confined) intervertebral disc herniation on T2W sagittal images, lateralized intervertebral disc herniation and displacement of the cauda equina. Overall diagnostic accuracy was 68.8% and interobserver agreement was fair (κ = 0.37), which is lower than has been reported in thoracolumbar disc herniation, but accuracy increased to 85.3% with substantially improved agreement (κ = 0.87) in "confident" diagnoses. MRI characteristics used in differentiating thoracolumbar IVDE and IVDP can be extrapolated to the lumbosacral intervertebral disc space, but diagnostic accuracy in low-field MRI is lower than previously reported in herniations involving the thoracolumbar spine.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Among Army Aircrew.

INTRODUCTION: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition characterized by disrupted sleep and excessive daytime fatigue. Associated cognitive and psychomotor decrements pose a threat to aviators' performance and flight safety. Additionally, the longer term health effects associated with the disease can jeopardize an aviator's career and negatively impact operational outputs. This study reviews OSA prevalence, related comorbid conditions in Army aviators, and analyzes the aeromedical dispositions of affected individuals.METHODS: The U.S. Army Aeromedical Electronic Resource Office (AERO) database was interrogated for all cases of OSA from June 2005 through June 2015 using ICD-9 code 327.23. Prevalence rates for OSA and other comorbid conditions were then calculated using the total number of aviators in the AERO database.RESULTS: A total of 663 unique instances of OSA were found among the aviator population (N = 24,568), giving a point prevalence of 2.69%. Four cases affected women. Mean age of initial presentation was 42.62 yr and mean Body Mass Index was 28.69. The top five most prevalent comorbid conditions were hypertension, lumbago, degeneration of a lumbar or lumbosacral intervertebral disc, PTSD, and testicular hypofunction.DISCUSSION: Prevalence of OSA among aviators is lower than the general population but is not uncommon. A positive diagnosis requires a waiver or can result in suspension if not managed effectively, potentially leading to a reduction in aviator numbers. Aggressive health promotion and robust medical surveillance and aeromedical disposition management by the aeromedical community is essential to reduce OSA numbers, maintain aviator health, and maximize flight safety.Goldie C, Stork B, Bernhardt K, Gaydos SJ, Kelley AM. Obstructive sleep apnea among army aircrew. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2022; 93(5):415-420.

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.

Quantitative measurements at the lumbosacral junction are more reliable parameters for identifying and numbering lumbosacral transitional vertebrae.

To evaluate quantitative parameters to identify the anatomic variation lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (LSTV) and compare them with the landmarks commonly used at present. A total of 2,845 PET/CT scans were reviewed, and the patients with 23 and 25 presacral vertebrae were included. The quantitative parameters, including the anterior-edge vertebral angle (AVA) of the lowest lumbar-type vertebra, the ratio of the length of the inferior endplate to that of the superior endplate (RISE) of the uppermost sacral-type vertebra and the lumbosacral intervertebral disc angle (LSIVDA), and the anatomical landmarks, including the iliac crest tangent (ICT) level, the iliolumbar ligament (ILL) origin level and psoas proximal insertion, were all evaluated to determine their ability to identify LSTV. The values of AVA and RISE were significantly different between the LSTV group and the control group, and between subgroups of LSTV. The cutoff value for AVA was 73.0°, with an accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 91.1%, 77.5%, and 88.3%, and that for RISE was 0.79, with an accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 90.3%, 77.5%, and 94.2%, while that for LSIVDA was 14.15°, with an accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 75.9%, 65.7%, and 78.3%, to differentiate L5 sacralization from S1 lumbarization. For differentiating the controls from LSTV, the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the ICT level and proximal psoas insertion were 78.0%, 70.2%, and 95.0%, versus 71.7%, 61.7%, and 94.0%. Compared with the anatomical landmarks, the quantitative measurements at the lumbosacral junction, including AVA and RISE, may be more helpful for differentiating subgroups of LSTV especially if only lumbar spine imaging is available. • The quantitative parameters, the anterior-edge vertebral angle (AVA) of the lowest lumbar-type vertebra and the ratio of the length of the inferior endplate to that of the superior endplate (RISE) of the uppermost sacral-type vertebra, are more helpful for distinguishing L5 sacralization from S1 lumbarization than the previously proposed anatomic landmarks. • AVA and RISE represent relevant changes in the curvature at the lumbosacral region and the shape of the transitional vertebral body, respectively. • AVA and RISE are easily assessed, with high intra- and inter-reader reliability.

Unusual imaging characteristics of a lumbosacral intervertebral disc extrusion in a dog.

Unusual imaging characteristics of a lumbosacral intervertebral disc extrusion in a dog.

Load bearing analysis on Lumbosacral Disc in Pre-operative and Post-operative Thoracic Scoliosis Patient

Scoliosis is a musculoskeletal disorder seen all around the world. It affects both the alignment of the vertebra and intervertebral disc. Scoliosis can be treated conservatively with a cast and brace or surgically with spinal instrumentation. During planning for surgical instrumentation, several factors need to be considered. Among those, biomechanical changes in the non-scoliotic vertebrae and discs are important. This is vital in determining the future degenerative changes of the spine. For this reason, this study was conducted with a finite element model of the lumbosacral joint using CT scan files to find the total deformation and equivalent static strain of the lumbosacral disc between pre and post-operative thoracic scoliosis patient. From the results, it is evident that there is a biomechanical change in the lumbosacral disc and structural change in the vertebral alignment followed immediately after corrective surgery. The correction in the alignment of the scoliotic spine brings changes to the biomechanical functionality and load-bearing capacity of the lumbosacral intervertebral disc before and after surgery.

Lumbosacral intervertebral disk extrusions in 13 dogs

To describe the clinical presentation, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, and outcome of dogs treated surgically for lumbosacral intervertebral disk extrusion (IVDE). Retrospective study. Thirteen dogs. Records and MRI studies of dogs with intraoperatively confirmed lumbosacral IVDE were reviewed. MRI features of thoracolumbar IVDE were applied to all cases. Postoperative outcome was subjectively assessed as excellent, good, or poor. All dogs had an acute or subacute onset of lumbosacral pain and nerve root signature. Seven dogs had neurological deficits. MRI revealed lateralized herniated disk material and partial to complete disk degeneration in all cases; the extradural material extended cranial and/or caudally from the disk space in 10 cases. All dogs underwent L7-S1 dorsal laminectomy and removal of extruded disk material. In six dogs, surgery was complicated by inflammatory changes, including one case of epidural steatitis. On reexamination 4-6 weeks postsurgery, outcome was judged as excellent in 11 dogs and poor in the remaining 2 due to contralateral nerve root signature in one case and nonambulatory paraparesis and urinary incontinence in the case with steatitis. Lumbosacral IVDE in dogs was characterized by acute/subacute onset of lumbosacral pain and nerve root signature and lateralized and often dispersed extradural material over a degenerated L7-S1 intervertebral disk on MRI. Early decompressive dorsal laminectomy generally resulted in excellent clinical outcome. Observation of these clinical and imaging features in dogs should prompt clinical suspicion of lumbosacral IVDE.

Radiographic lumbosacral vertebral abnormalities and constipation in cats.

Background and Aim:Lumbosacral intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) in cats usually develops concurrent with constipation, spondylosis deformans, and sacralization. However, the prevalence of lumbar IVDD in cats was considered low, and there was less information on the incidence of non-traumatic lumbosacral vertebral abnormalities that may affect large bowel dysfunction. This study aimed to retrospectively investigate the relationship between non-traumatic lumbosacral vertebral abnormalities, both congenital and acquired, and large bowel dysfunction in cats.Materials and Methods:Of 3108 cats that were presented to the Diagnostic Imaging Unit, the Small Animal Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, between March 2016 and February 2018, 1365 cats met the inclusion criteria. All abdominal radiographs were reviewed, and all subsequent data were recorded, including the presence of congenital or acquired lumbosacral lesions, number of lumbar vertebrae, and length of the second, fifth, and last lumbar vertebrae, including the type of lumbar abnormalities. Moreover, radiographic information relating to constipation and megacolon was also collected.Results:Non-traumatic lumbosacral vertebral abnormalities were observed in 29.74% of cats. The most common congenital lumbosacral vertebral abnormalities were six lumbar vertebrae, sacralization, and lumbarization, whereas most common acquired lumbosacral abnormalities were bone spur, narrowing disk space, spondylosis deformans, and lumbosacral degeneration, respectively. Cats with abnormal lumbosacral vertebrae are prone to have more problems with the large bowel (p=0.0057; odds ratio=1.731). Moreover, congenital and acquired lumbosacral abnormalities were also at risk of large bowel abnormalities (p=0.0069; odds ratio=1.920 and p<0.0001; odds ratio=4.107, respectively).Conclusion:This study revealed the evidence and distribution of the variation in feline lumbar anatomy and also elucidated that cats with abnormal lumbar vertebral columns were more likely to have problems with distal gastrointestinal tracts than those without.

Clinical Relevance of Changes in Pain Intensity in Patients with Specific Back Pain.

Pain intensity is frequently measured on the 11-point numerical pain rating scale (NRS-PI), ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 points (worst imaginable pain). However, it is difficult to interpret the clinical importance of changes from baseline to endpoint on this instrument. To estimate the minimal detectable change (MDC) and the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for average pain intensity in patients with specific back pain. Data on 1232 subjects with specific back pain from a German hospital were included in this study. A score combining the patient's (PGIC) and the physician's global impression of change (CGIC) over the in-patient length of stay was used as an external criterion. A priori, we considered the score value "slightly improved" as the MCID. MDC was calculated using the standard error of measurement (SEM) and the standard deviation (SD) of the sample. MCID was estimated by the mean value of PI-NRS change in patients who self-assess as "slightly improved", and by sensitivity/specificity analyses, computed by the receiver operating characteristic method (ROC). MDC was 1.77. The MCS and ROC methods consistently showed an MCID of 2 for the total sample. Both methods showed the dependence of the MCID on the initial pain: 1 for mild to moderate pain at baseline (1 - 4 NRS points), 2 for moderate to severe pain (5 - 7) and 3 - 4 for very severe to extreme pain (8 - 10). For patients with lumbosacral intervertebral disc disorders and patients in the acute phase (duration of pain < 6 weeks), the ROC method resulted in a higher limit than the MCS method. In order to facilitate the interpretation of changes and to take into account the patient's perspective, the global assessment of the success of treatment should be used as an anchor criterion. In addition to dealing with pain measurement, function-related and psychosocial aspects of pain symptoms should be kept in mind.

Congenital malformations of the lumbosacral vertebral column are common in neurologically normal French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, and Pugs, with breed-specific differences.

Congenital vertebral malformations are common findings on diagnostic imaging of the vertebral column in "screw-tailed" brachycephalic dogs. The aims of this study were to evaluate the prevalence and anatomical characteristics of lumbosacral congenital vertebral malformations in French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, and Pugs presenting for problems unrelated to spinal disease, as well as possible associations with the degree of tail malformation, lumbosacral intervertebral disc herniation, or spondylosis deformans. In this retrospective cross-sectional study, CT scans of vertebrae L6 to S3 and of the coccygeal vertebrae were reviewed for type of congenital vertebral malformations (hemivertebrae, block vertebrae, lumbosacral transitional vertebrae, and spina bifida), lumbosacral intervertebral disc herniation, lumbosacral spondylosis deformans, and degree of tail malformation. In 76 (51.0%) of the 149 included dogs (53 French Bulldogs, 37 English Bulldogs, and 59 Pugs) at least one type of congenital vertebral malformations was found, with lumbosacral transitional vertebrae being the most common (34.2%). There was a significantly higher prevalence of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (54.2%) and lower prevalence of hemivertebrae (1.7%) in Pugs compared to English (13.5% and 24.3%, respectively) and French Bulldogs (26.4% and 32.0%, respectively). Tail malformation was significantly more severe in dogs with evidence of hemivertebrae. Congenital vertebral malformations are a common finding in the lumbosacral vertebral column of French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, and Pugs. These anatomical variances need to be considered when interpreting diagnostic studies and when planning for neurosurgical and neurodiagnostic procedures. Furthermore, this study suggests a possible association between the degree of tail malformation and lumbosacral hemivertebrae.

Treatment of Naturally Degenerated Canine Lumbosacral Intervertebral Discs with Autologous Mesenchymal Stromal Cells and Collagen Microcarriers: A Prospective Clinical Study

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is a frequent disease in modern societies and at its later stages is likely to cause chronic low back pain. Although many studies have been published, the available treatments for IVD degeneration fail to promote regeneration or even marginal repair of the IVD structure. In this study, we aimed to establish veterinary canine patients as a translational large animal model that recapitulates IVD degeneration that occurs in humans, and to investigate the suitability of intradiscal application of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC). Twenty client-owned dogs diagnosed with spontaneous degenerative lumbosacral IVD and low back pain were included in the study. Autologous MSC were isolated from bone marrow and cultured for 2 weeks. Prior to injection, MSC were attached on collagen microcarriers for delivery, with or without TGF-β1 crosslinking. After decompressive spinal surgery, dogs received an intradiscal injection of MSC-microcarriers (n = 11), MSC-TGF-β1-microcarriers (n = 6) or microcarriers only (control, n = 3). MSC-microcarriers were initially evaluated in vitro and ex vivo, to test cell chondrogenic potential and biomechanical properties of the microcarriers, respectively. Clinical performance and Pfirrmann grading were evaluated at 10 months after the injection by magnetic resonance imaging. MSC differentiated successfully in vitro towards chondrogenic phenotype and biomechanical tests showed no significant differences of IVD stiffness after microcarrier injection. In vivo injection was successful in all dogs, without any visible leakage, and clinical functioning was restored back to normality. However, postoperative Pfirrmann grade remained identical in all dogs, and formation of Schmorl’s nodes was detected in 45% of dogs. This side effect was reduced by halving the injection volume, which was then observed only in 11% of dogs. In conclusion, we observed marked clinical improvement in all groups, despite the formation of Schmorl’s nodes, but microcarriers and MSC failed to regenerate the structure of degenerated IVD.

Potentialities of diffusion weighted MRI in the assessment of the degree of adjacent intervertebral disc degeneration: rigid lumbosacral stabilization and total intervertebral disc arthroplasty

Purpose: to evaluate the condition of adjacent intervertebral discs (IVD) after single level rigid lumbosacral stabilization and total arthroplasty by calculating IVD height index and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC). Patients and methods. The study included 117 patients (64 women and 53 men) after rigid lumbosacral stabilization or total arthroplasty of the degenerative IVD at L5-S1 level. Values of ADC and height of the adjacent IVD were assessed prior to surgery, at discharge and in 6, 12, 24 and 36 months after surgical intervention. Results. The value of the height of the adjacent IVD in patients after rigid stabilization in the early postoperative period averaged 0.58±0.046, in 6 months - 0.58±0.044 and 0.52±0.037 in 36 months after surgery. In patients after total arthroplasty it made up 0.59±0.041, 0.60±0.038 and 0.56±0.02, respectively. Comparison of the adjacent IVD height indices showed significant difference starting from the 12th observation months (p

Characteristics of Pain Syndrome in Patients with Lumbosacral Discogenic Pathology in Post- OPERATIVE PERIOD

Purpose of study. Evaluation of the pain sources and comparative analysis of chronic pain syndrome peculiarities in patients with various types of disc herniation before and after surgical intervention at lumbosacral level.Patients and methods. The study included 80 patients (20-60 years old) with discogenic pathology at lumbosacral level. The type and size of herniation was assessed by MSU classification. Every patient went through a complex evaluation of low back pain sources, pain syndrome characteristics and personality before and on day 10 after surgery.Results.The most common cause of pain was a musculoskeletal syndrome that was more pronounces in the older (41-60 years) group. Neither correlation between the degree of degenerative dystrophic changes and type and size of discogenic pathology, nor the relation between the disc herniation size and type and neurologic symptoms development was detected. The relation between the intensity and other characteristics of pain syndrome and type of disc herniation was not detected too. Analysis of pain syndrome characteristics and mechanisms in complex with the assessment of pain sources revealed the group of patients with high pain and emotionally affected indices before and after surgical intervention and mild vertebrogenic and other pain sources. That group made up 13% of the total number of patients; the majority of them (75%) were females (mean age 37.8±5.0 years) and in 50% of cases the herniation size and localization corresponded to type 2A. Taking into consideration a high degree of disability and other pain indices in postoperative period we do not recommend surgical intervention in this group of patients.Conclusion.Management of patients with lumbosacral intervertebral disc herniation requires the evaluation of all pain sources and pain syndrome aspects.

Characteristics of Pain Syndrome in Patients with Lumbosacral Discogenic Pathology in Post- OPERATIVE PERIOD

Purpose of study. Evaluation of the pain sources and comparative analysis of chronic pain syndrome peculiarities in patients with various types of disc herniation before and after surgical intervention at lumbosacral level. Patients and methods. The study included 80 patients (20-60 years old) with discogenic pathology at lumbosacral level. The type and size of herniation was assessed by MSU classification. Every patient went through a complex evaluation of low back pain sources, pain syndrome characteristics and personality before and on day 10 after surgery. Results. The most common cause of pain was a musculoskeletal syndrome that was more pronounces in the older (41-60 years) group. Neither correlation between the degree of degenerative dystrophic changes and type and size of discogenic pathology, nor the relation between the disc herniation size and type and neurologic symptoms development was detected. The relation between the intensity and other characteristics of pain syndrome and type of disc herniation was not detected too. Analysis of pain syndrome characteristics and mechanisms in complex with the assessment of pain sources revealed the group of patients with high pain and emotionally affected indices before and after surgical intervention and mild vertebrogenic and other pain sources. That group made up 13% of the total number of patients; the majority of them (75%) were females (mean age 37.8±5.0 years) and in 50% of cases the herniation size and localization corresponded to type 2A. Taking into consideration a high degree of disability and other pain indices in postoperative period we do not recommend surgical intervention in this group of patients. Conclusion. Management of patients with lumbosacral intervertebral disc herniation requires the evaluation of all pain sources and pain syndrome aspects.

Magnetic resonance imaging of lumbosacral intervertebral discs in nigerians with low back pain

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the modality of choice in diagnostic imaging of the neurological structures related to low back pain (LBP). Particularly, in evaluation of the vertebral discs, its relationship to the nerve roots and related structures with precise diagnosis that guides the patient's management. This study evaluated the spectrum of intervertebral disc findings in LBP patients at two imaging centers in the South-West and North-Central Nigeria. Association between the clinical diagnosis and MRI disc findings was tested. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective descriptive study. The request cards, reports, and available recorded images of patients referred for MRI for LBP from 2013 till 2015 were retrieved. The extracted patients' information, radiological findings were documented in a data form, with due compliance to confidentiality of the cohort and analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software (Version 20.0., IBM Corp. Released 2011, IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, IBM Corp. Armonk, NY, USA) Results were presented as tables and test of association between variables carried out using Pearson t-test. Results: A total number of 205 patients were enrolled. Age range of the subjects was 10-83 years and mean age = 52.5 ± 15.4 years. There were more females with a male to female ratio of 1:1.04. LBP was more common in the fifth decade and least in ≤20 years (3%). MRI disc abnormalities increased with advancing age with statistically significant association between disc abnormalities and the patient's age, lumbar spondylosis, disc prolapse, and spinal canal stenosis. Conclusion: Disc abnormalities increased significantly with advancing age. Lumbar spondylosis, disc prolapse, and spinal canal stenosis are most commonly associated with florid disc abnormalities on MRI.

Diagnosis of lumbosacral intervertebral disc disease and protrusion in a horse using ultrasonographic evaluation and computed tomography

SummaryThis case report describes the clinical presentation, diagnostic imaging modalities, treatment and post mortem evaluation of lumbosacral intervertebral disc protrusion in a mature Quarter Horse gelding 10 days after initial signs were noted. Grade 3 hindlimb ataxia, conscious proprioceptive deficits, urinary and faecal incontinence were present, which did not improve with anti‐inflammatories, antimicrobial therapy, corticosteroids, antioxidant therapy, cold‐laser therapy or electroacupuncture. Imaging modalities utilised ante mortem were computed radiography, transcutaneous and transrectal ultrasonography. Transrectal ultrasonography yielded findings highly suggestive of lumbosacral intervertebral disc protrusion and due to the lack of improvement and a poor prognosis, the horse was humanely subjected to euthanasia. Post mortem computed tomography, necropsy and histopathological evaluation confirmed lumbosacral intervertebral disc disease and protrusion into the spinal canal with subsequent impingement of the spinal nerve roots. Lumbosacral intervertebral disc protrusion as a clinical disease in the horse has not been previously described and should be included as a differential diagnosis in cases with acute hindlimb ataxia, proprioceptive deficits, and urinary and faecal incontinence.