Root Compression Syndromes Research Articles

An Optimized CT Protocol for Detecting Suspected Cauda Equina Syndrome: A Comparative Analysis with MRI.

Lumbar disc herniation, potentially leading to nerve root compression and cauda equina syndrome, is typically evaluated using MR imaging. However, the limited availability of MR imaging outside regular hours in certain health care systems poses considerable challenges. This purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of an optimized CT lumbar spine protocol as a potential alternative to MR imaging in assessing suspected neural compression. Patients presenting to the emergency department with suspected cauda equina syndrome or acute radicular symptoms secondary to lumbar disc herniation referred for MR imaging were prospectively enrolled for an additional CT optimized to assess spinal stenosis. An expert radiologist, blinded to clinical data, graded canal stenosis at each lumbar level on CT. The same grading process was applied to MR imaging after a 4-week interval to maintain blinding. Fifty-nine individuals were included in the final analysis. In 22 (39%) cases, no significant stenosis was identified. In a further 22 (37%) cases, disc pathology was identified that was managed conservatively. Thirteen (22%) individuals proceeded to urgent surgical decompression. In 1 (2%) instance, an alternative diagnosis was identified. Compared with MR imaging, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for CT in detecting disc pathology in patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of acute neural compression were 97% (95% CI, 82%-99%), 97% (95% CI, 83%-99%), 97% (95% CI, 92%-99%), and 97% (95% CI, 83%-99%), respectively. CT accurately identified all cases requiring urgent decompression. CT accurately predicted MR imaging findings in patients with suspected cauda equina and nerve root compression, demonstrating its utility as an adjunct tool for patient triage in emergency settings with limited MR imaging access. This protocol could enhance the allocation of emergency resources by appropriately selecting patients for emergent MR imaging.

Neuropathic pruritus-Evidence-based treatment recommendations

Neuropathic pruritus is apreviously neglected symptom of awide range of neurological diseases. Peripheral nerve or root compression syndromes, space-occupying lesions of the central nervous system, chronic inflammatory neurological diseases and polyneuropathy can cause neuropathic pruritus. Even when the identification of the underlying neurological disease is successful, adirect causal treatment is not always possible, hence an effective symptomatic treatment remains the only therapeutic option. The purpose of this review article is to present the current literature on various therapeutic agents and options in the treatment of neuropathic pruritus.

Brain Network Changes in Lumbar Disc Herniation Induced Chronic Nerve Roots Compression Syndromes.

Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) induced nerve compression syndromes have been a prevalent problem with complex neural mechanisms. Changes in distributed brain areas are involved in the occurrence and persistence of syndromes. The present study aimed to investigate the changes of brain functional network in LDH patients with chronic sciatica using graph theory analysis. A total of thirty LDH adults presenting L4 and/or L5 root (s) compression syndromes (LDH group) and thirty age-, sex-, BMI- and education-matched healthy control (HC group) were recruited for functional MRI scan. Whole-brain functional network was constructed for each participant using Pearson's correlation. Global and nodal properties were calculated and compared between two groups, including small-worldness index, clustering coefficient, characteristic path length, degree centrality (DC), betweenness centrality (BC) and nodal efficiency. Both LDH and HC groups showed small-world architecture in the functional network of brain. However, LDH group showed that nodal centralities (DC, BC and nodal efficiency) increased in opercular part of inferior frontal gyrus; and decreased in orbital part of inferior frontal gyrus, lingual cortex and inferior occipital gyrus. The DC and efficiency in the right inferior occipital gyrus were negatively related with the Oswestry Disability Index in LDH group. In conclusion, the LDH-related chronic sciatica syndromes may induce regional brain alterations involving self-referential, emotional responses and pain regulation functions. But the whole-brain small-world architecture was not significantly disturbed. It may provide new insights into LDH patients with radicular symptoms from new perspectives.

New possibilities of graphics software in the analysis of thermograms of patient’s lower limbs – a technical note

Abstract The analysis involved thermograms of the lower limbs of a patient suffering from symptomatic L-S segment discopathy with spinal root compression syndrome (symptomatic lumbar discopathy) qualified for surgical treatment. The thermograms were obtained using the Flir Ebx 50 camera. They were developed with the use of the software included with the Flir Ebx 50 camera, as well as the Origin Pro 2020 data analysis and graphing software. ROIs (Regions of Interest) were specified and analyzed in terms of temperature (average, maximum or minimum) temperature distributions, isotherms, and specified surface areas limited by selected isotherms. According to the analysis of the thermograms, the images obtained with Origin Pro 2020 enable a more advanced presentation of the temperature distribution, by taking into account the isotherms with selected temperatures and by calculating the area limited by a given isotherm (or between two isotherms) they allow to introduce an additional surface parameter related to specific isotherms. It provides additional information (parameter) in comparison with analogous ROIs on healthy and pathologic limbs in the same patient.

Single vertebral manipulative therapy (Kitchener’s Technique): a new technique for treatment of acute and subacute spinal root compression

Introduction: Spinal Root Compression Syndromes (SRCS) are common, costly, and significant cause of long-term sick leave and work loss. There is No consensus on the best approach. One intervention often used is manipulative therapy. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine if Single Vertebral Manipulative Therapy (Kitchener’s Technique) (SVMT) is effective in alleviating pain levels and regaining physical functioning in comparison to standard medical care (SMC), among 18-55-year-old active working personnel. Methods: Prospective, longitudinal, 2-arm controlled study comparing SMC plus SVMT (32 patients) with only SMC (21 patients). The primary outcome measures were changes in root-related pain on the numerical rating scale and physical functioning at 6 weeks on the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire and back pain functional scale (BPFS). Results: Mean Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire scores decreased in both groups during the course of the study, but adjusted mean scores were significantly better in the SMC plus SVMT group than in the SMC group at both week 2 (P<0.001) and week 6 (P=0.001). Mean numerical rating scale pain scores were also significantly better in the group that received SVMT. Adjusted mean back pain functional scale scores were significantly higher (improved) in the SMC plus SVMT group than in the SMC group at both week 2 (P<0.001) and week 6 (P=0.001). Conclusion: Results suggest that SVMT in conjunction with SMC offers a significant advantage for decreasing pain and improving physical functioning when compared with only SMC, for patients aged 18-55 years with SRCS.

Remote Cauda Equina Syndrome Due to Overgrowth of Epidural Free Fat Graft: Case Report

Lumbar discectomy is being done in increasing frequency worldwide where formation of epidural scar formation has been known as a common cause of its failure. Application of a free fat graft despite controversies has been widely used to prevent further adhesion and post-laminectomy scarring. Single nerve root compression and cauda equina syndrome due to compressive effect of free fat graft with a few days to weeks after laminectomy is well known early complication of lumbar discectomy. However, late neurological deficit as the result of significant increase of fat graft volume has been not addressed previously in the literature. Herein, the authors present a middle-age man who was admitted with cauda equina syndrome for one day duration developing 11 years after a redo laminectomy for recurrent disc herniation and local stenosis. The MRI obtained urgently revealed significant overgrowth of the free fat graft that had been already used for prevention of scar formation. Piecemeal surgical removal of fat with clearance of the theca and the corresponding nerve roots result in steady but good recovery within a few weeks. To our knowledge, although overgrowth of fat has been reported in other locations, but this is the first example occurring after its application at the site of laminectomy. Therefore, overgrowth of free fat graft should be added to all previously describe unusual complication of lumbar discectomy.

Results of differentiated surgical treatment of elderly and senile patients with lateral lumbar spinal canal stenosis

Objective. To analyze the results of differentiated surgical treatment of elderly and senile patients with lateral stenosis of the lumbar spinal canal. Material and Methods . A total of 95 patients with nerve root compression and back pain were operated on. The analysis and complex evaluation of treatment results were carried out in two groups: Group 1 included 79 (84.15 %) patients with nerve root compression associated with lateral spinal canal stenosis without instability of the spinal motion segment; Group 2 – 16 (15.85 %) patients with clinically significant lateral lumbar spinal canal stenosis with one root compression and severe back pain syndrome caused by the spinal motion segment instability. The clinical and neurological status of patients was evaluated using VAS, ODI, and SF-36 questionnaires. Changes in the angle and depth of the lateral radicular recess and the instability of the spinal motion segment were assessed using CT and functional radiographic findings. Results . Lateral stenosis in elderly and senile patients is presented as a combination of compressing factors in 47.2 % of cases. The increase in the angle of the lateral radicular recess up to 30–40° and in its depth up to 5 mm resulted in reduction of the pain syndrome in the leg and back, and improvement of the quality of life. Conclusion . The use of differentiated surgical treatment tactics based on identification of the dominant clinical neurological syndrome provides good and excellent results in patients of the older age group in 83 % of cases.

Clinical-Biochemical Studies of the Mechanisms of Formation of Chronic Lumbosacral Pain

A total of 78 patients with chronic vertebrogenic pain in the lower part of the spine were studied: 23 (29.5%) with lumbar root syndromes and 55 (70.5%) with reflex lumbar syndromes not in exacerbation. Patients with lumbar dorsopathy and root compression syndromes were characterized by high pain levels with a marked neuropathic component, lower quality of life, and significantly lower serum serotonin levels, which correlated with the severity of neuropathic pain and depression.

Absent Inferior Vena Cava Resulting in Exercise-Induced Epidural Venous Plexus Congestion and Lower Extremity Numbness

Case report and clinical discussion. To describe a unique etiology for a patient presenting with exercise-induced lower extremity numbness found to have agenesis of the infrarenal inferior vena cava (IVC) and a large vein draining the confluence of the iliac veins through the L4 foramen into the epidural plexus. Epidural venous abnormalities are infrequently determined to be the etiology of nerve root compression syndromes. Such cases have been described in patients with absent IVC with thrombosis. We are unaware of any previously described cases of absent IVC with a primary route of venous return through the epidural venous plexus, resulting in symptoms in the absence of thrombosis. We describe a case of a 34-year-old man who presented complaining of numbness of legs as well as cauda equina symptoms occurring during exercise. He was found to have infrarenal absence of the IVC with the confluence of the iliac veins forming a large draining vein which entered the L4 foramen into the epidural venous plexus. Pre- and postexercise magnetic resonance imaging scans were performed to compare change in the size of the plexus. Postexercise magnetic resonance imaging showed notable increase in the volume of the epidural venous plexus of the lower lumbar spine. The patient was referred to neurosurgery and vascular surgery, which did not intervene. On follow-up 2 years later, the patient developed significant right deep venous thrombosis and was found to be heterozygous for factor V Leiden mutation. This case demonstrates the breadth of anatomic and physiologic understanding a clinician must draw on when approaching patients with nerve root compression symptoms. It is also pertinent to consider performing a hypercoagulable work-up in patients with vascular deformations, as this may prevent future thrombosis.

Die epidurale Injektionsbehandlung mit Lokalanästhetikum versus Kortison beim chronischen lumbalen Nervenwurzelkompressionssyndrom: eine prospektive Studie

The prospective randomised double-blind study analyses follow-up data of the therapeutic effects of cortisone versus local anaesthetics using an injection technique close to the nerve root in chronic lumbar spine syndrome. 57 patients were included with an MRI-assured clinical diagnosis. The study was performed over a 6-month period to evaluate long-term effects. The level of disability (ODQ), the quantitative and qualitative sensations of pain were separately determined. The t-test was used for interval and relation variables, the chi (2) test for nominal variables and the Mann-Whitney-U-test for ordinal variables. Significant differences in favour of cortisone were not found for the measured parameters at any time. An improvement for all parameters was seen in both groups between the time t0 and the definite times t1 and t2. The advantage of a combined injection of local anaesthetics and cortisone versus a injection of local anaesthetics alone in epidural-peridural technique in the inpatient treatment of the chronic lumbar spine root compression syndrome could not be detected.

Value of myelography and computer tomography in problem cases of lumbar intervertebral disk diagnosis

The accuracy of myelographic and computerized tomographic findings in lumbar layer diagnostic techniques is examined in a total of 133 patients suffering from root compression syndrome. The comparatively high percentage of accurate results 94% (myelogr.) and 90% (ct) in 93 cases where the findings were operatively substantiated,--sinks when the problem cases are considered apart. In 22% of our patients, one method alone was not sufficient for satisfactory preoperative diagnosis. The value of myelography and ct in the diagnosis of problem cases in herniated lumbar disk disease is different. Because of specific advantages (Tab. 1) in the representation of the spinal canal the techniques have their own position. When clinical and computertomographical results are clear and corresponding, myelography-as an invasive diagnostic technique--is unnecessary. In problem cases, however, both methods should be used to complement one another.

Course of conservatively treated acute lumbar root compression syndrome. A computer tomography controlled study

Of 129 patients with an acute lumbar root compression syndrome due to disc herniation 21, who were symptom-free, were examined by computed tomography (CT) on average 276 days after a three-step regimen of conservative treatment. In no instance had there been a deterioration of the original findings. In 14 patients the CT picture continued to demonstrate disc herniation, although the patients were without symptoms. In two patients a moderate, in five a marked regression of herniation was demonstrated by CT. Clinical improvement without change in the CT picture points to the compression syndrome not being explainable solely in mechanical terms. As a matter of fact, a possible cause may be a disturbance of radicular blood supply resulting in oedematous root swelling which is usually masked in the CT by prolapsed disc tissue. There is as yet no easy explanation for regression in case of prolapsed, perhaps even sequestered, disc tissue. It is possible that there have been reparative processes, such as have been described histopathologically in form of ingrown vessels. More plausibly would be a separation of the herniated and/or sequestered disc tissue in form of an asymptomatic sliding into the terminal caudal region.

Polysegmental innervation of the medial paraspinal lumbar muscles

A retrospective analysis was performed in a nine month period of the electrophysiological data, imaging and clinical findings of patients with monoradicular disc herniation compressing either the L5 or the S1 nerve root. The primary purpose of the analysis was to determine the distribution of pathological spontaneous activity in the medial paraspinal muscles on electromyographic examination in monoradicular L5 and S1 nerve root compression syndromes. Anatomically, the medial paraspinal muscles receive their innervation from a single root while the iliocostalis muscles and the longissimus muscle are thought to be innervated by multiple nerve roots. In the analysis, in single nerve root lesion of the L5 or S1 nerve root, electromyography of the medial paraspinal muscles revealed pathological spontaneous activity one to three vertebrae cranial to the disc herniation with extension to the opposite side of the lesion. In conclusion, the medial paraspinal muscles might be thought to be innervated by one single nerve root on anatomical studies, electrophysiologically the extension of axonal lesion signs of one single lumbar nerve root is much broader. The widespread distribution of the L5 and S1 nerve root must be taken into consideration on electromyographic examination of the medial paraspinal muscles.

An experimental animal model of spinal root compression syndrome: an analysis of morphological changes of myelinated axons during compression radiculopathy and after decompression

The treatment of radicular pain is mainly empirical because there are only few experimental studies dealing with morphological changes during compression radiculopathy. The goal of the study was to investigate changes in the morphology of myelinated axons during spinal root compression and the influence of decompression in a new rat model. The number of myelinated axons and their diameter were measured at 1, 2, 5, and 8 weeks during compression of the dorsal spinal root. The same approach was applied for 1-week compression followed by decompression for 1 or 2 weeks and compression for 5 weeks followed by 3-week decompression. A decrease in the number of myelinated axons (particularly those of large diameters) occurred after compression for 1 week. Continued compression for up to 8 weeks resulted in centripetal increase in the number of myelinated axons and the persistence of a small fraction of large myelinated axons at the site of compression. After that time, a decreased number of axons and a reduced fraction of large myelinated axons occurred again. Decompression after 1-week compression caused a rapid increase in the number of both small and large myelinated axons within the spinal root including the site of compression. A small fraction of regenerated axons was found after 5-week compression followed by 3-week decompression. Finally, we investigated the time course of the temporary increase in the number of regenerated myelinated axons during dorsal root compression for up to 8 weeks. The efficacy of decompression was superior when applied one week after compression or after regress of the acute phase of aseptic inflammation associated with fragility of spinal root. The results of the study verify the need for early surgical decompression to prevent irreversible damage of the spinal roots.

PMMA versus Titanium Cage after Anterior Cervical Discectomy - A Prospective Randomized Trial

Nonautologous interbody fusion materials are utilised in increasing numbers after anterior cervical disc surgery to overcome the problem of donor site morbidity of autologous bone grafts. This study investigates the performance of two nonautologous materials, the bone cement Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and titanium cages. This prospective randomised trial, with assessment of the results by an independent observer, evaluates whether a Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) spacer or a titanium cage provides a better fusion rate around the implant and a better clinical outcome. Between 2000 and 2002, 115 patients with monoradicular cervical nerve root compression syndrome caused by soft cervical disc herniation were eligible for this study. Myelopathy, excessive osteophyte formation, and adjacent level degeneration were exclusion criteria. A block-restricted randomisation was applied. The 2-year clinical outcome served as the primary endpoint of the study. Clinical outcome was assessed according to the Odom scale by an independent observer at the follow-up examination. Preoperative, postoperative, and follow-up radiographs were taken. The study was completed by 107 patients (53 with PMMA and 54 with titanium cage). No significant difference between the two groups could be established with respect to the clinical outcome. In each group, 26 patients scored excellent. Good results were found in 19 PMMA patients and 16 titanium cage patients; satisfactory results were found in 8 PMMA patients and 9 titanium cage patients; bad results were found in 3 titanium cage patients. In 47 titanium cage cases (87%), fusion occurred radiologically as bony bridging around the implant. The fusion rate was significantly lower (p=0.011) in the PMMA group, with 35 cases (66%) united at follow-up. The radiological result of the titanium cage is superior to that of PMMA with respect to the fusion rate. Although the titanium cage achieves a better fusion rate, there is no difference between titanium cages and PMMA with respect to the clinical outcome.

Sequestered High Lumbar Intradural Disc Herniation Mimicking A Spinal Tumor: Case Report And Review Of The Literature

We report an unusual case of a sequestered high lumbar intradural disc herniation mimicking a spinal tumor radiologically in a 49-year-old man who presented with bilateral radicular pain and weakness of the lower extremities. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the lumbo-sacral spine revealed the presence of an intradural extramedullary lesion at the L1-2 level abutting the conus medullaris. The patient underwent laminectomy and microsurgical resection of the mass. Pathological examination of the resected lesion revealed it to be of disc material. Postoperatively, the patient experienced complete remission of symptoms. The differential diagnosis of a sequestered intradural enhancing lesion in the lumbar region causing nerve root compression or cauda equina syndrome must include disc herniation. In addition, early surgery provides the best opportunity for full neurological recovery.

Kyste synovial articulaire postérieur lombaire révélé par un syndrome pluriradiculaire : à propos de deux cas

Introduction. – Multiradicular nerve root compression, and long lasting radicular syndrome occur very often. They happen particularly on degenerative spine. Huge synovial cyst of the zygapophyseal joints may account for it, expand in the epidural area and cause radicular syndrome. Exegesis. – Two cases of huge synovial cysts spreading into the spinal channel are reported here. Diagnostic and therapeutic modalities are discussed. On degenerative spine, facet joints osteoarthritis may result in synovial cysts. Physical examination findings are radicular syndrome. Conclusion. – Huge synovial cysts may result in multiple nerve root compression syndrome, as reported in our two cases. Typically, there's no history of preceding trauma and symptoms appear progressively. Magnetic resonance imaging of the spine shows an intra-spinal round mass with typical signal intensity and capsular formation. Treatment consists either in facet joint steroid injection performed with radiologic guidance or in surgical excision.

Cervical myelopathy: clinical and neurophysiological evaluation.

The overall frequency of troublesome neck pain is estimated to be about 34%, and it was observed that the frequency of complaints lasting 1 month or longer was higher in women than in men. The prevalence increased with age, with regard to both pain duration and chronic pain. Approximately 14% of a randomly selected population meets the criterion for chronic neck pain: complaints lasting more than 6 months. Epidemiologic data substantiate the importance of morphologic, age-related changes of the cervical spine; however, the incidence and prevalence of cervical myelopathy is not known. It could be that the structural transformation of the intervertebral disc, the uncovertebral processes and the zygapophyseal joints is a process accompanied by disturbed function that ultimately not only induces pain, but can lead to narrowing of spinal canal, with symptoms and signs of cervical myelopathy. For a diagnosis of radicular and myelopathic syndromes, the functional and neurological examination is enhanced by neurophysiological assessment. Electromyography (EMG) performed with needle electrodes is the oldest method for diagnosing nerve root compression and anterior horn cell syndromes, and is claimed to have no false-positive results. For cervical myelopathy, as a routine examination sensory evoked potentials (SEPs) by stimulation of tibial nerve and motor evoked potentials (MEPs) from the upper and lower extremities are recommended.

Maximal isometric muscle strength: normative values and gender-specific relation to age.

To date, there have been very few studies on the age dependence of maximal isometric muscle strength (MIMS) in healthy subjects aged 20-80 years, based upon measurements of a large number of functional muscle groups (FMGs). Using a hand-held pull gauge it is possible to measure MIMS of nearly every FMG. The objectives of this study were to obtain normative values for MIMS, to evaluate differences in MIMS in relation to gender and body side and to compare the age dependence of muscle strength between women and men. In a convenience sample of 290 healthy women (aged 20-82 years) and 253 men (aged 21-79 years), MIMS of 51 FMGs was measured. For each FMG the age dependence of MIMS was depicted, side and gender specific, as percentile curves and was analysed using linear quantile regression analysis. MIMS was found to be significantly higher in men than in women and higher on the right than on the left side. A biphasic model with linear equations for strength medians was derived for each gender. The age at transition from phase 1 to phase 2 was 55 years (SD 8) for women and 49 years (SD 13) for men. During phase 1, MIMS did not decrease significantly. During phase 2, MIMS decreased in all FMGs in both genders with a steeper slope in women (-0.92) than in men (-0.63). The age dependence of MIMS differed significantly between women and men. The present study gives gender-specific equations which enable one to calculate normative values for MIMS, as measured with a pull gauge, based upon age. These normative values will allow an objective assessment of patients with diminished muscle strength as, for example, in myositis, rheumatoid arthritis and nerve root compression syndromes or in the elderly.

Epidemiology, Physical Examination, and Neurodiagnostics

The overall frequency of troublesome neck pain is estimated to be approximately 34%, and it was observed that the frequency of complaints lasting 1 month or longer was higher in women than in men. The prevalence increased with age with regard to both pain duration and chronic pain. A total of approximately 14% of a randomly selected population meets the criteria for chronic neck pain, with complaints lasting for more than 6 months. It could be that the structural transformation of the intervertebral disc, the uncovertebral processes, and the zygapophyseal joints is a process accompanied by disturbed function, ultimately inducing pain. For diagnosis of radicular and myelopathic syndromes, the physical and neurologic examination is enhanced by neurophysiologic assessment. Electromyography, performed with needle electrodes, is the oldest method to diagnose nerve root compression syndromes and is claimed to have no false positive results. Electromyography for radiculopathy is justified if clinical symptoms, such as muscular weakness, don't correlate with clinical findings (diminished or absent reflex), or for documentation of muscle activity if difficult decompressive surgery is expected. For diagnosis of cervical myelopathy by routine examination, the sensory evoked potentials by stimulation of tibial nerve as well as motor evoked potentials from upper and lower extremities are recommended because clinically "silent" myelopathy can be verified by abnormalities in evoked potentials. During history taking, the symptoms possibly attributed to radiculopathy or myelopathy should be differentiated from primary systemic neurologic disorders such as shoulder angiotrophy ("plexus neuritis"), multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic laterals sclerosis, and peripheral neuropathy. The assessment of range of motion, the functional status of shoulder and neck muscles, and palpatory examination of soft tissue is widely used to determine non-operative therapeutic procedures. However, scientifically, the validity of the different testing procedures has not been evaluated satisfactorily.