Predominant Leg Pain Research Articles

Factors associated with incomplete clinical improvement in patients undergoing transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy for lumbar disc herniation.

To analyze the clinical and radiographic risk factors that might predict incomplete clinical improvement after transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy (TELD). A retrospective analysis was conducted from 194 consecutive patients who underwent TELD due to lumbar disc herniation (LDH). Patients with incomplete clinical improvement were defined from patient-reported outcomes of poor improvement in pain or disability after surgery and patient dissatisfaction. Clinical and radiographic characteristics were evaluated to identify predicting factors of poor outcomes. Of 194 patients who underwent TELD procedures, 32 patients (16.5%) had incomplete clinical improvement and 12 patients (6.1%) required revision surgery. The mean ages were 46.4years and most of the patients suffered from predominant leg pain (48.9%). The most common surgical level was L4-5 (63.9%). Overall, the Oswestry Disability Index (44.3-15), visual analog scores of back pain (4.9-1.8) and leg pain (7.3-1.6) were significantly improved after surgery. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that high body mass index, history of previous surgery, preoperative disability, weakness, and disc degeneration were related to incomplete clinical improvement. There were 15 recurrent LDH (7.7%) with a total of 12 revision surgeries (6.2%). We identified independent risk factors associated with incomplete clinical improvement following TELD, including overweight, significant preoperative disability or weakness and history of previous surgery. Advanced age, disc degeneration, vacuum phenomenon, and spondylolisthesis were also possible risk factors. Recognizing these risk factors would help decide whether patients are good candidates for TELD, and optimize the surgical planning preoperatively to achieve good surgical results.

Comparing Patient-Reported Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Lumbar Fusion for Isthmic Spondylolisthesis with Predominant Back Pain versus Predominant Leg Pain Symptoms

To compare patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and minimum clinically important difference (MCID) achievement following anterior or transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for isthmic spondylolisthesis in patients presenting with predominant back pain versus predominant leg pain symptoms. A single-surgeon database was reviewed for anterior or transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion procedures for isthmic spondylolisthesis. Patient demographics, perioperative characteristics, postoperative complications, and PROMs were collected. Demographic/perioperative characteristics were compared among groups using χ2 and Student t tests for categorical and continuous variables, respectively. Mean PROM scores were compared using an unpaired Student t test. Postoperative improvement from preoperative baseline within each cohort was assessed with paired-samples t test. MCID achievement rates were compared with χ2 analysis. In total, 143 patients were included with 65 patients in the predominant back pain and 78 patients in the predominant leg pain cohort. Preoperative visual analog scale (VAS) leg was noted to be significantly greater in predominant leg pain cohort (P < 0.001). Cohorts demonstrated significant mean postoperative differences for the following PROMs at the following postoperative time points: significant differences were noted between cohorts for rate of achievement of MCID for the following PROMs at the following time points: VAS back at 2 years and VAS leg at 6 weeks/12 weeks/6 months/overall (P < 0.036, all). Compared with patients presenting for surgery with predominant leg pain symptoms, patients undergoing lumbar fusion at L4-L5 and L5-S1 for isthmic spondylolisthesis with predominant back pain symptoms may demonstrate improved long-term clinical outcomes for reported back pain, leg pain, and disability and reduced postoperative length of stay and narcotic consumption.

Spinal Cord Stimulation With Additional Peripheral Nerve/Field Stimulation Versus Spinal Cord Stimulation Alone on Back Pain and Quality of Life in Patients With Persistent Spinal Pain Syndrome

IntroductionPersistent spinal pain syndrome (PSPS) or failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) refers to new or persistent pain following spinal surgery for back or leg pain in a subset of patients. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a neuromodulation technique that can be considered in patients with predominant leg pain refractory to conservative treatment. Patients with predominant low back pain benefit less from SCS. Another neuromodulation technique for treatment of chronic low back pain is subcutaneous stimulation or peripheral nerve field stimulation (PNFS). We investigated the effect of SCS with additional PNFS on pain and quality of life of patients with PSPS compared with that of SCS alone after 12 months. Materials and MethodsThis is a comparative study of patients with PSPS who responded to treatment with either SCS + PNFS or SCS only following a multicenter randomized clinical trial protocol. In total, 75 patients completed the 12-month follow-up: 21 in the SCS-only group and 54 in the SCS + PNFS group. Outcome measures were pain (visual analog scale), quality of life (36-Item Short Form Survey [SF-36]), anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS]), overall health (EuroQol Five-Dimension [EQ-5D]), disability (Oswestry Disability Index [ODI]), and pain assessed by the McGill questionnaire. ResultsThere were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups. Both groups showed a significant reduction in back and leg pain at 12 months compared with baseline measurements. No significant differences were found between the groups in effect on both primary (pain) and secondary parameters (SF-36, HADS, EQ-5D, ODI, and McGill pain). ConclusionIn a subgroup of patients with chronic back and leg pain, SCS alone provided similar long-term pain relief and quality-of-life improvement as PNFS in addition to SCS. In patients with refractory low back pain not responding to SCS alone, adding PNFS should be recommended. Clinical Trial RegistrationThe Clinicaltrials.gov registration number for the study is NCT01776749.

A CLINICO-OPERATIVE STUDY OF LUMBAR INTERVERTEBRAL DISC HERNIATION

Background: Herniation is a greater threat in younger individuals between the ages of 30 and 50 years, in whom the nucleusmaterial has good turgor, in contrast to older individuals in whom the nucleus is desiccated and fibrotic. Open discectomy is the gold standard for operative intervention in patients with herniated disc where conservative treatment has failed.&#x0D; Aim of objective: To study the reliability of clinical signs in diagnosing lumbar disc herniation.&#x0D; Material and Methods: This study was done collecting data of patients presenting to, JLNMCH, Bhagalpur. During this period there were 46 patients with a history of low back pain and at least one symptom suggesting root compression (Radiating pain, numbness,weakness or loss of sensation) who underwent surgery.&#x0D; Conclusion: Commonest presentation is that of, long histories of back pain with superimposed syndrome of sciatica. Patients with predominant leg pain or only leg pain have high incidences of ruptured herniations.&#x0D; Keywords: Herniation, Sciatica, Numbness, loss of sensation.

Sciatica Presentations and Predictors of Poor Outcomes Following Surgical Decompression of Herniated Lumbar Discs: A Review Article.

Pain associated with sciatica is one of the most common indications for surgery. The annual rate of discectomy has increased over recent years, with a significant number of patients reporting a poor outcome or symptom recurrence after surgery. This study aims to evaluate the predictors of poor outcome for patients undergoing lumbar discectomy for sciatica. A comprehensive search was conducted to find relevant literature published between 1985 and 2019. All literature with a clear methodology were included. Many factors that affect postoperative recovery after lumbar discectomy have been reported. Some evidence suggests that sociodemographic factors, including female gender, smoking, increased age, low socioeconomic status, and low education level may be associated with less favorable outcomes after surgery. Symptom duration does not appear to be associated with a significant difference in long-term outcomes; however, early surgery (within one year) may result in a faster postoperative recovery with better early results. Furthermore, patients who had discectomy for predominant leg pain had better outcomes compared to those who had the surgery for back pain as the main presentation. There was no evidence to suggest a correlation between the size of the herniated disc and long-term outcomes of sciatica; however, a higher anatomical level of herniation (L1-2, L2-3) was associated with poorer outcomes compared to the lower level of herniation (L3-4, L4-5). A few studies suggested slow postoperative recovery correlates with unemployment and depression. We recommend that the predictors of postoperative outcomes should be taken into consideration when selecting or counseling patients for lumbar disc decompression.

Impact of Dominant Symptom on 12-Month Patient-Reported Outcomes for Patients Undergoing Lumbar Spine Surgery.

The impact of symptom characteristics on outcomes of spine surgery remains elusive. To determine the impact of symptom location, severity, and duration on outcomes following lumbar spine surgery. We queried the Quality Outcomes Database (QOD) for patients undergoing elective lumbar spine surgery for lumbar degenerative spine disease. Multivariable regression was utilized to determine the impact of preoperative symptom characteristics (location, severity, and duration) on improvement in disability, quality of life, return to work, and patient satisfaction at 1 yr. Relative predictor importance was determined using an importance metric defined as Wald χ2 penalized by degrees of freedom. A total of 22 022 subjects were analyzed. On adjusted analysis, we found patients with predominant leg pain were more likely to be satisfied (P<.0001), achieve minimum clinically important difference (MCID) in Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) (P=.002), and return to work (P=.03) at 1 yr following surgery without significant difference in Euro-QoL-5D (EQ-5D) (P=.09) [ref=predominant back pain]. Patients with equal leg and back pain were more likely to be satisfied (P<.0001), but showed no significant difference in achieving MCID (P=.22) or return to work (P=.07). Baseline numeric rating scale-leg pain and symptom duration were most important predictors of achieving MCID and change in EQ-5D. Predominant symptom was not found to be an important determinant of return to work. Worker's compensation was found to be most important determinant of satisfaction and return to work. Predominant symptom location is a significant determinant of functional outcomes following spine surgery. However, pain severity and duration have higher predictive importance. Return to work is more dependent on sociodemographic features as compared to symptom characteristics.

Outcomes of Discectomy in Young Adults With Large Central Lumbar Disc Herniations Presenting With Predominant Leg Pain.

Study Design:Retrospective cohort study.Objectives:Discectomy alone or discectomy with fusion have been 2 polarized options in the management of large lumbar disc herniations presenting with leg-dominant pain in young patients. The objective of the study was to evaluate the outcomes of discectomy in young patients with large central lumbar disc herniation (CLDH) presenting with predominant leg pain.Material and Methods:Young patients (<45 years) presenting with predominant leg pain and MRI confirmed diagnosis of CLDH between April 2007-January 2017 were included in the study. All patients underwent tubular microdiscectomy. Outcomes of surgery were evaluated using visual analogue score (VAS) for leg and back pain, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Macnab’s criteria.Results:Ninety patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The mean age of patients was 34.9 years (range 19-45 years). Mean follow-up was 5.09 years (range 2-10 years). The incidence of CLDH in young adults was 30% and incidence among all “operated” lumbar disc herniations was 15.9%. The mean VAS for leg pain improved from 7.48 ± 0.9 to 2.22 ± 0.84 (P < .05) and the mean ODI changed from 60.53 ± 7.84 to 18.33 ± 6.20 (P < .05). Fifty-nine patients (65.6%) reported excellent, 25 patients (27.8%) reported good, 3 patients each (3.3%) as fair and poor outcomes respectively.Conclusion:Discectomy alone for CLDH with predominant leg pain is associated with high success rate and low need for a secondary surgical procedure. Patient selection in terms of leg-dominant pain may be the main attribute for lower incidence of recurrence, postoperative back-pain, and instability needing a secondary procedure. Minimally invasive discectomy may provide an added advantage of preserving normal spinal anatomy, thus minimizing the need for primary spinal fusion in these patients.

Predictive model for long-term patient satisfaction after surgery for grade I degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis: insights from the Quality Outcomes Database.

OBJECTIVESince the enactment of the Affordable Care Act in 2010, providers and hospitals have increasingly prioritized patient-centered outcomes such as patient satisfaction in an effort to adapt the "value"-based healthcare model. In the current study, the authors queried a prospectively maintained multiinstitutional spine registry to construct a predictive model for long-term patient satisfaction among patients undergoing surgery for Meyerding grade I lumbar spondylolisthesis.METHODSThe authors queried the Quality Outcomes Database for patients undergoing surgery for grade I lumbar spondylolisthesis between July 1, 2014, and June 30, 2016. The primary outcome of interest for the current study was patient satisfaction as measured by the North American Spine Surgery patient satisfaction index, which is measured on a scale of 1-4, with 1 indicating most satisfied and 4 indicating least satisfied. In order to identify predictors of higher satisfaction, the authors fitted a multivariable proportional odds logistic regression model for ≥ 2 years of patient satisfaction after adjusting for an array of clinical and patient-specific factors. The absolute importance of each covariate in the model was computed using an importance metric defined as Wald chi-square penalized by the predictor degrees of freedom.RESULTSA total of 502 patients, out of a cohort of 608 patients (82.5%) with grade I lumbar spondylolisthesis, undergoing either 1- or 2-level decompression (22.5%, n = 113) or 1-level decompression and fusion (77.5%, n = 389), met the inclusion criteria; of these, 82.1% (n = 412) were satisfied after 2 years. On univariate analysis, satisfied patients were more likely to be employed and working (41.7%, n = 172, vs 24.4%, n = 22; overall p = 0.001), more likely to present with predominant leg pain (23.1%, n = 95, vs 11.1%, n = 10; overall p = 0.02) but more likely to present with lower Numeric Rating Scale score for leg pain (median and IQR score: 7 [5-9] vs 8 [6-9]; p = 0.05). Multivariable proportional odds logistic regression revealed that older age (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.09-2.76; p = 0.009), preoperative active employment (OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.27-3.67; p = 0.015), and fusion surgery (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.30-4.06; p = 0.002) were the most important predictors of achieving satisfaction with surgical outcome.CONCLUSIONSCurrent findings from a large multiinstitutional study indicate that most patients undergoing surgery for grade I lumbar spondylolisthesis achieved long-term satisfaction. Moreover, the authors found that older age, preoperative active employment, and fusion surgery are associated with higher odds of achieving satisfaction.

Improvements in Back and Leg Pain After Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression.

Few studies have quantified clinical improvement following minimally invasive lumbar decompression based on predominant back pain or leg pain. To quantify improvement in patient-reported outcomes following minimally invasive lumbar decompression and determine the degree of improvement in back pain, leg pain, and disability in patients who present with predominant back pain or predominant leg pain. Patients who underwent primary, one-level minimally invasive lumbar decompression for degenerative pathology were retrospectively reviewed. Comparisons of visual analog scale (VAS) back and leg pain scores, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores, and Short Form-12 (SF-12) mental and physical component scores from pre-operative to 6-week, 12-week, 6-month, and 1-year follow-up. Subgroup analyses were performed for patients with predominant back pain or predominant leg pain. A total of 102 patients were identified. Scores on VAS back and leg pain, ODI, and SF-12 physical component improved from pre-operative to all post-operative time points. After 1year, patients reported a 2.8-point (47%) reduction in back pain and a 4-point (61.1%) reduction in leg pain scores; 52 patients with predominant back pain and 50 patients with predominant leg pain reported reductions in pain throughout the year following surgery. In both the back and leg pain cohorts, patients experienced reductions in ODI during the first 6months and throughout 1-year follow-up, respectively. The majority of patients achieved minimum clinically important difference, regardless of predominant symptom. Patients reported improvements in back and leg pain following minimally invasive lumbar decompression regardless of predominant presenting symptom; however, patients with predominant leg pain may experience greater improvement than those with predominant back pain.

Short- and Long-Term Outcome of Microscopic Lumbar Spine Surgery in Patients with Predominant Back or Predominant Leg Pain

This study assessed whether predominant back pain (pBP) represents a negative outcome predictor in patients undergoing microscopic spine surgery without fusion for a lumbar disc herniation (LDH) or spinal stenosis (LSS). Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on consecutive patients with LDH or LSS at 2 centers. Patients with visual analog scale (VAS) back pain ≥VAS leg pain were assigned to the pBP group, and compared with patients with predominant VAS leg pain (pLP). Outcome measures included the Roland-Morris Disability Index (RMDI), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), health-related quality of life measures, Short-Form (SF)-12 Physical Component Summary (PCS), and EuroQol (EQ-5D) index at 3 days, 6 weeks (W6), 6 months, and 1 year postoperatively. A total of 325 patients (154 [47.4%] with pBP and 171 [52.6%] with pLP) were included. Patients with pBP were about 6 years older and more often had LSS. There was no significant difference between the group means of the RMDI, ODI, SF-12 PCS, or EQ-5D at any postoperative time point. The most improvement was observed until the W6 follow-up with little or no improvement thereafter up to 1 year postoperatively. Patients with pBP were as likely as patients with pLP to be W6 responders on the RMDI (odds ratio [OR], 0.91; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.38-2.16; P= 0.831), ODI (OR, 1.00; 95% CI 0.52-1.92; P= 0.996), SF-12 PCS (OR, 1.09; 95% CI 0.58-2.04; P= 0.791), and EQ-5D (OR, 0.62; 95% CI 0.32-1.21; P= 0.164). Disease-specific subgroup analyses confirmed the results. The present data suggest that patients with pBP have comparable functional and health-related quality of life outcomes after surgery for LDH or LSS with those of patients with pLP.

Predictors of the efficacy of epidural steroid injections for structural lumbar degenerative pathology

BackgroundLumbar epidural steroid injection (LESI) is a valuable therapeutic option when administered to the appropriate patient, for the appropriate disease process, at the appropriate time. There is considerable variability in patient-reported outcomes (PROs) after LESI, creating uncertainty as to who will benefit from the therapy and who will not. PurposeWe set out to identify patient attributes, which are important predictors for the achievement of a minimum clinically important difference (MCID) in the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) after LESI. Study DesignA prospective cohort study was carried out. Patient SampleA total of 239 consecutive patients undergoing LESI for back-related disability, back pain (BP), and leg pain (LP) associated with degenerative pathology comprised the patient sample. Outcome MeasuresBaseline and 3-month patient self-reported ODI, numeric rating scale-BP and LP, Euro-Qol-5D, and Short Form (SF)-12 scores were recorded. MethodsA total of 239 consecutive patients undergoing LESI for degenerative pathology over a period of 2 years who were enrolled into a prospective web-based registry were included in the study. Using the previously reported anchor-based approach, an MCID threshold of 7.1% was established for ODI after LESI. Each enrolled patient was then dichotomized as a “responder” (achieving MCID) or a “non-responder.” Multiple logistic regression analysis was then performed, with the achievement of MCID serving as the outcome of interest. Candidate variables included in the regression analyses were age, gender, employment, insurance type, smoking status, preoperative ambulation, preinjection narcotic use, comorbidities, predominant LP or BP symptoms, symptom duration, diagnosis, number of levels, prior surgery, baseline PROs, type of stenosis (central, lateral recesses, or foraminal), injection route (transforaminal, interlaminar, or caudal), and number of injections. Subsequently, we also randomly selected 80% of the patients to serve as the training data for a multiple logistic regression model. Once this predictive model was built, it was validated using the remaining 20% of patients. ResultsThere were 124 (62%) patients who achieved MCID for ODI. The existence of central stenosis (p=.006), TF or IL injection route (p=.02) compared with caudal epidural steroid injection, higher baseline ODI (p=.00001), and a diagnosis of disc herniation (p=.02) increase the odds of achieving MCID for ODI at 3 months. Symptom duration for over a year (p=.006), prior surgery (p=.08), and preinjection anxiety (p=.001) decrease the odds of achieving MCID. The area under the curve (AUC) for our predictive model's receiver-operator characteristic was 0.81 when using the 80% training data set, and the AUC was 0.72 when using the 20% validation data. ConclusionWe have identified patient attributes that are important predictors for the achievement of MCID in ODI 3 months after LESI. The use of these attributes, in the form of a predictive model for LESI efficacy, has the potential to improve decision making around LESI. Spine care providers can use the information to gain insight into the likelihood that a particular patient will experience a meaningful benefit from LESI.

Reduction of Leg Pain by Oxiplex Gel After Lumbar Discectomy in Patients With Predominant Leg Pain and Elevated Levels of Lower Back Pain

A prospective, randomized, blinded, multicenter clinical study. To evaluate carboxymethylcellulose/polyethylene oxide gel (Oxiplex) in improving clinical outcomes in subjects having predominant leg pain and elevated low back pain undergoing first-time lumbar discectomy for disk herniation. Clinical studies in the United States and Italy found that Oxiplex reduced leg pain after decompression surgery. A total of 68 subjects with herniated lumbar disk were enrolled and randomized into treatment (surgery plus gel) or surgery-only control groups. A prospective statistical analysis assessed the effect of gel in the severe back pain subgroup (prespecified as greater than or equal to median baseline back pain of the population studied). All subjects except 2 controls lost to follow-up completed the study. Preoperative and postoperative visual analogue scale leg pain scores were analyzed and compared between groups at 60 days after surgery. There were no serious adverse events or neurological safety concerns reported in any patients. Gel-treated patients had statistically significantly lower visual analogue scale leg pain scores at study end compared with controls (P=0.0240), representing a 21% additional reduction in leg pain compared with surgery alone in the severe baseline back pain subgroup (P=0.0240). The proportion of subgroup patients experiencing zero leg pain at study end was significantly higher in the gel treatment group (60%) than in the control group (23%) (P=0.0411). The data from this study confirm and extend results of 2 previous studies in Italy and the United States that reported statistically significantly greater reductions in leg pain in gel-treated patients with severe preoperative low back pain compared with patients who only underwent decompression surgery.

Superior outcomes of decompression with an interlaminar dynamic device versus decompression alone in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis and back pain: a cross registry study.

Surgical decompression for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) has been associated with poorer outcomes in patients with pronounced low back pain (LBP) as compared to patients with predominant leg pain. This cross registry study assessed potential benefits of the interlaminar coflex® device as an add-on to bony decompression alone. Patients with lumbar decompression plus coflex® (SWISSspine registry) were compared with decompressed controls (Spine Tango registry). Inclusion criteria were LSS and a preoperative back pain level of ≥5 points. 1:1 propensity score-based matching was performed. Outcome measures were back and leg pain relief, COMI score improvement, patient satisfaction, complication, and revision rates. 50 matched pairs without residual significant differences but age were created. At the 7-9 months follow-up interval the coflex® group had higher back (p=0.014) and leg pain relief (p<0.001) and COMI score improvement (p=0.029) than the decompression group. Patient satisfaction was 90% in both groups. No revision was documented in the coflex® and one in the decompression group (2.0%). In the short-term, lumbar decompression with coflex® compared with decompression alone in patients with LSS and pronounced LBP at baseline is a safe and effective treatment option that appears beneficial regarding clinical and functional outcomes. However, residual confounding of non-measured covariables may have partially influenced our findings. Also, despite careful inclusion and exclusion of cases the cross registry approach introduces a potential for selection bias that we could not totally control for and that makes additional studies necessary.

Cost-Effectiveness and Cost-Utility Analysis of Spinal Cord Stimulation in Patients With Failed Back Surgery Syndrome: Results From the PRECISE Study.

ObjectiveTo assess the cost‐effectiveness and cost‐utility of Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) in patients with failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) refractory to conventional medical management (CMM).Materials and MethodsWe conducted an observational, multicenter, longitudinal ambispective study, where patients with predominant leg pain refractory to CMM expecting to receive SCS+CMM were recruited in 9 Italian centers and followed up to 24 months after SCS. We collected data on clinical status (pain intensity, disability), Health‐Related Quality‐of‐Life (HRQoL) and on direct and indirect costs before (pre‐SCS) and after (post‐SCS) the SCS intervention. Costs were quantified in € 2009, adopting the National Health Service's (NHS), patient and societal perspectives. Benefits and costs pre‐SCS versus post‐SCS were compared to estimate the incremental cost‐effectiveness and cost utility ratios.Results80 patients (40% male, mean age 58 years) were recruited. Between baseline and 24 months post‐SCS, clinical outcomes and HRQoL significantly improved. The EQ‐5D utility index increased from 0.421 to 0.630 (p < 0.0001). Statistically significant improvement was first observed six months post‐SCS. Societal costs increased from €6600 (pre‐SCS) to €13,200 (post‐SCS) per patient per year. Accordingly, the cost‐utility acceptability curve suggested that if decision makers' willingness to pay per Quality‐Adjusted‐Life‐Years (QALYs) was €60,000, SCS implantation would be cost‐effective in 80% and 85% of cases, according to the NHS's and societal point of views, respectively.ConclusionsOur results suggest that in clinical practice, SCS+CMM treatment of FBSS patients refractory to CMM provides good value for money. Further research is encouraged in the form of larger, long‐term studies.

Outcome of decompression with and without fusion in spinal stenosis with degenerative spondylolisthesis in relation to preoperative pain pattern: a register study of 1,624 patients

Background contextPatients with spinal stenosis with concomitant degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS) and predominant back pain (PBP) have been shown to have inferior outcome after surgery. Studies comparing outcome according to preoperative pain predominance and treatment received are lacking. PurposeThe purpose was to study if adding spinal fusion to the decompression in DS affects outcome in patients with PBP (back pain [BP] Visual Analog Scale [VAS] more than or equal to leg pain [LP] VAS) compared with predominant leg pain (PLP) (BP VAS less than LP VAS). Patient sampleThe Swedish Spine Register was used and included 1,624 patients operated for DS at the L4–L5 level. Outcome measuresSelf-reported measures were used, including a VAS for BP and LP, the EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D), and the physical and mental component summaries of the Short-Form 36 to estimate health-related quality of life and the Oswestry disability index (ODI) to estimate function. MethodsInclusion criterion was single-level DS operated on with either decompression only (D) or decompression and instrumented posterolateral fusion (DF). Based on preoperative LP and BP scores, the patients were assigned to one of the two groups: LP predominance or BP predominance. The patients completed the outcome protocol at 1- and 2-year follow-ups. Statistical analysis was performed using linear regression adjusting for multiple potential confounders. ResultsIn the adjusted outcome at the 1-year follow-up, patients with PLP reported a 7.9-mm more improvement on the VAS for BP with fusion, compared with D (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.7–15.2), p=.03. Despite more change in the fused group, the reported BP levels remained similar in the D versus decompressed and fused at the 1-year follow-up (28 vs. 24, p=.77). The patients with PBP benefited from adding fusion in terms of BP 7.1 (95% CI, 0.3–13.9, p=.04), LP 8.8 (2–15.7, p=.01), the ODI 5.7 (1.6–9.9, p=.006), and the EQ-5D 0.09 (1.7–0.02, p=.02) at the 1-year follow-up as the DF group reported greater change in the outcome compared with the D group. At the 2-year follow-up, no significant differences were found between D and decompressed and fused in either the LP or the PBP groups. ConclusionsPatients with PBP operated with DF report better outcomes in terms of pain, function, and health-related quality of life than patients with D. Although these differences are significant on a group level, they may fail to reach minimal clinical significant difference. Patients with PLP report significantly more improvement in terms of BP with DF compared with D, but because of baseline differences in preoperative BP, these improvements may not be explained by the added fusion per se. At the 2-year follow-up, no significant differences were observed between the D and DF patients in either the PBP or PLP groups, but greater loss to follow-up in the DF groups could potentially bias these findings.

Annulus Fibrosus Repair

Intervertebral disc (IVD) herniation is a common origin of disabled spine and low back pain (LBP) which cause enormous health care toll. The annulus fibrosus (AF), which constitutes the outer part ...

Preoperative Pain Pattern Predicts Surgical Outcome More Than Type of Surgery in Patients With Central Spinal Stenosis Without Concomitant Spondylolisthesis

A register cohort study. To evaluate outcome of surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis without concomitant degenerative spondylolisthesis according to predominance of pain and to analyze the role of spinal fusion in conjunction with decompression in patients with predominant back pain (BP) or leg pain (LP). Predominance of BP is associated with inferior outcome of surgery for central spinal stenosis. It is unknown if using spinal fusion improves outcomes. In a register study of 9051 patients, we studied outcome of surgery in terms of BP and LP visual analogue scale, function (the Oswestry Disability Index and self-estimated walking distance), health-related quality of life (Short-Form 36 and EuroQol), and patient satisfaction. Outcome was analyzed for 4 groups at 1- and 2-year follow-ups; preoperative BP was equal to or worse than LP and decompression, preoperative BP was equal to or worse than LP and decompression and fusion, preoperative BP was less than LP and decompression, preoperative BP was less than decompression and fusion. Patients with concomitant fusion were younger and had higher BP and Oswestry Disability Index scores and lower preoperative EuroQol. Predominant BP was associated with inferior outcome in terms of pain, health-related quality of life, and function. Patients most often satisfied (69%) were patients with BP less than LP treated with decompression and fusion and the least satisfied group was patients with BP equal to or worse than LP treated with decompression (54%). Fusion was not only associated with higher EuroQol at 1-year follow-up for patients with predominant BP, but also associated with increased LP at 2-year follow-up in patients with predominant LP. Patients with predominant BP experienced small gains in the physical component summary with fusion. Predominance of BP is associated with inferior outcome. Using spinal fusion improves unadjusted outcome but the benefit is small and not clinically significant and generally disappears in the adjusted analysis. 4.

Outcomes in Patients With Minimal Back Pain Undergoing Prophylactic Lumbar Fusion for Iatrogenic Instability

For most patients undergoing lumbar fusion, back pain is a substantial part of their preoperative symptomatology. Occasionally, there are patients with minimal back pain in whom the extent of decompression required to treat leg symptoms requires a concomitant fusion to prevent postoperative instability. Although these patients may obtain relief of their leg pain, an additional concern is whether they will develop increased back pain after fusion. This study’s primary cohort comprised 1144 patients with complete preoperative and 2-year postoperative data including the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Short Form 36 (SF-36), and numeric rating scales (NRS) for back and leg pain. Thirty-nine patients with a preoperative back pain score of 3 or less were identified. Propensity scoring was used to match these patients to patients with moderate back pain (NRS 4-6) and severe back pain (NRS 7-10) based on demographics, baseline health-related quality of life, and surgical characteristics, resulting in 35 patients in each group. Paired t tests were used to determine within-group differences, and analysis of variance was used to determine between-group differences. A statistically significant improvement occurred in ODI, SF-36 Physical Component Summary, and NRS leg pain scores from preoperatively to 2 years postoperatively (P<.0001) within all groups; and a statistically significant improvement occurred in back pain scores in the moderate and severe back pain groups. No statistically significant change occurred in back pain from preoperatively to 2 years postoperatively (P=.528) in the minimal back pain group. Patients undergoing lumbar fusion for predominant leg pain with minimal back pain had acceptable outcomes, with no increase in back pain postoperatively.

Predictors of Pain Relief Following Spinal Cord Stimulation in Chronic Back and Leg Pain and Failed Back Surgery Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Regression Analysis

We sought to assess the extent to which pain relief in chronic back and leg pain (CBLP) following spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is influenced by patient-related factors, including pain location, and technology factors. A number of electronic databases were searched with citation searching of included papers and recent systematic reviews. All study designs were included. The primary outcome was pain relief following SCS, we also sought pain score (pre- and post-SCS). Multiple predictive factors were examined: location of pain, history of back surgery, initial level of pain, litigation/worker's compensation, age, gender, duration of pain, duration of follow-up, publication year, continent of data collection, study design, quality score, method of SCS lead implant, and type of SCS lead. Between-study association in predictive factors and pain relief were assessed by meta-regression. Seventy-four studies (N = 3,025 patients with CBLP) met the inclusion criteria; 63 reported data to allow inclusion in a quantitative analysis. Evidence of substantial statistical heterogeneity (P < 0.0001) in level of pain relief following SCS was noted. The mean level of pain relief across studies was 58% (95% CI: 53% to 64%, random effects) at an average follow-up of 24 months. Multivariable meta-regression analysis showed no predictive patient or technology factors. SCS was effective in reducing pain irrespective of the location of CBLP. This review supports SCS as an effective pain relieving treatment for CBLP with predominant leg pain with or without a prior history of back surgery. Randomized controlled trials need to confirm the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of SCS in the CLBP population with predominant low back pain.

Impact of Pain on Function and Health Related Quality of Life in Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Descriptive register study. To describe preoperative levels of leg and back pain in patients operated for lumbar spinal stenosis, and to obtain information on how 3 different pain constellations (back pain < leg pain, back pain > leg pain, back pain = leg pain) correlate to health related quality of life (HRQoL) and function in different morphological types of stenosis. Degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis is considered a poorly defined clinical syndrome and knowledge of what uniquely characterizes the different morphological types of stenosis is lacking. Using the Swedish Spine Register, we studied (1) the pain characteristics of patients with central spinal stenosis (CSS), lateral recess stenosis, and spinal stenosis with spondylolisthesis (2) how HRQoL and function correlate to leg and back pain. Grading leg pain higher than back pain was the most common pain constellation (49%) followed by grading back pain more than leg pain (39%). Twelve percent had the same intensity of leg and back pain. The type of stenosis grading the highest burden of back pain was spinal stenosis with spondylolisthesis (ratio = 0.93; [95% confidence interval, CI] = 0.92-0.95), followed by central spinal stenosis (ratio = 0.88; [95% CI] = 0.88-0.89). Lateral recess stenosis had the lowest burden of back pain (ratio = 0.85; [95% CI] = 0.83-0.87). The lowest HRQoL and function was found in spinal stenosis with spondylolisthesis (back pain = leg pain group) where 55% ([95% CI] = 50-59) of patients could not walk more than 100 m. Patients with lateral recess stenosis had better self-estimated walking distance. Back pain is generally experienced to a high extent by patients scheduled for spinal stenosis surgery. HRQoL and function are low preoperatively irrespective of whether back or leg pain is predominant. In this large patient material patients who grade their back and leg pain as likeworthy have significantly lower values for HRQoL and function compared to patients reporting predominant leg or back pain but the difference is not clinically relevant.