Chronic lower back pain(LBP)is the leading cause of disability worldwide.Due to its close relationship with intervertebral disc(IVD)degeneration(IVDD),research has historically focused more on understanding the mechan...Chronic lower back pain(LBP)is the leading cause of disability worldwide.Due to its close relationship with intervertebral disc(IVD)degeneration(IVDD),research has historically focused more on understanding the mechanism behind IVDD while clinical efforts prioritize pain management.More recently,there has been a shift toward understanding LBP as a distinct pathological entity.This review synthesizes current knowledge on discogenic LBP,combining known pathophysiology,molecular mechanisms,risk factors,diagnostic challenges,and available experimental models.IVDD is a complex,multifactorial process involving biochemical,mechanical,and inflammatory changes within the disc,leading to structural breakdown and potential discogenic pain.Key mechanisms include extracellular matrix degradation,upregulation of inflammatory mediators,immune cell infiltration,and aberrant nerve and vascular ingrowth.However,not all cases of IVDD result in LBP,highlighting the need for further investigation into the cellular,molecular,and biomechanical factors contributing to symptom development.Current diagnostic tools and experimental models for studying discogenic LBP remain limited,impeding the development of targeted treatments.Existing therapies primarily focus on symptom management rather than addressing underlying disease mechanisms.展开更多
Objective To observe the therapeutic difference in treatment of Irishmen with discogenic low back pain （arthritis of cold-damp syndrome type） between heat-sensitive acupoint and acupuncture. Methods Eighty-two patie...Objective To observe the therapeutic difference in treatment of Irishmen with discogenic low back pain （arthritis of cold-damp syndrome type） between heat-sensitive acupoint and acupuncture. Methods Eighty-two patients were randomly assigned to the heat-sensitive group （43 cases） and the acupuncture group （39 cases）. Corresponding heat-sensitive points in the lumbosacral area were selected in the heat-sensitive group. Then moxibustion was performed at the heat-sensitive acupoint, thus conducting the moxibustion sensation. The treatment was ended when the sensation conduction was finished. If there appeared no moxibustion sensation, moxibustion at the corresponding painful point was lasted for 30 min. Needling was performed in the acupuncture group at corresponding Jiájǐ（夹 脊 EX-B 2）, Back-shu point, Wěizhōng （委中 BL 40）; matching points included Huántiào （环跳 GB 30）, Fēngshì（风市 GB 31）, Yánglíngquán （阳陵泉 GB 34）, Zhìbiān （秩边 BL 54）, etc. The waste was irradiated with TDP after needling, with the maintaining time of 30 min. The treatment was carried out twice weekly, four weeks as one therapeutic course. The therapeutic effect was statistically calculated after 8-week treatment. Results Nineteen cases were clinically cured, 20 improved, 4 failed, and the effective rate 90.7%（39/43） in the heat-sensitive group, while 9 clinically cured, 25 improved, 5 failed, and the effective rate 87.2%（34/39） in the acupuncture group. Signif icant difference was shown in the clinically cured case by 2 test （P0.05）. Conclusion Heat-sensitive acupoint was superior to traditional acupuncture in treatment Irishmen with discogenic low back pain.展开更多
Lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration is thought to be the main cause of low back pain,although the mechanisms by which it occurs and leads to pain remain unclear.In healthy adult discs,vessels and nerves are presen...Lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration is thought to be the main cause of low back pain,although the mechanisms by which it occurs and leads to pain remain unclear.In healthy adult discs,vessels and nerves are present only in the outer layer of the annulus fibrosus and in the bony endplate.Animal models,and histological and biomechanical studies have shown that annulus tear or endplate injury is the initiating factor for painful disc degeneration.Injury to the disc triggers a local inflammatory repair response that activates nociceptors and promotes the synthesis of neuropeptides such as substance P and calcitonin generelated peptide,by dorsal root ganglion neurons.These neuropeptides are transported to injured discs and act as pro-inflammatory molecules,promoting the production of an“inflammatory soup”by inducing vasodilatation and plasma extravasation as well as by promoting the release of chemical mediators from disc cells and infiltrating immune cells,causing neurogenic inflammation that leads to progressive disc degeneration and discogenic pain.展开更多
Objective:To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of Tenghuang Jiangu Tablet(藤黄健骨片)in the treatment of discogenic low back pain.Methods:CNKI,WanFang,CBM,VIP,PubMed,EMbase,Cochrane Library and Web of Sc...Objective:To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of Tenghuang Jiangu Tablet(藤黄健骨片)in the treatment of discogenic low back pain.Methods:CNKI,WanFang,CBM,VIP,PubMed,EMbase,Cochrane Library and Web of Science were systematically searched to collect the randomized controlled trials(RCTs)of Tenghuang Jiangu Tablet in the treatment of discogenic low back pain.Literature screening and data extraction according to the set criteria were conducted.Cochrane Risk Bias assessment tool was used to evaluate the quality of included RCTs,and Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4.1 software.Results:A total of 4 studies were included,with a total sample size of 404 cases.The results of Meta-analysis suggested that Tenghuang Jiangu Tablet combined with conventional treatment in the treatment of discogenic low back pain was superior to conventional treatment alone in terms of total clinical response rate(RR=1.21,95%CI[1.09,1.35],P=0.0004),excellent rate of curative effect(RR=1.24,95%CI[1.10,1.41],P=0.0007),lower VAS score(MD=-0.62,95%CI[-0.79,-0.44],P<0.00001)and JOA score(MD=1.84,95%CI[1.35,2.33],P<0.00001).There was no statistical significance in the incidence of adverse reactions between Tenghuang Jiangu Tablet combined with conventional treatment and conventional treatment alone(RR=0.76,95%CI[0.04,15.42],P=0.86).Conclusion:Based on existing research and methods,Tenghuang Jiangu Tablet combined with conventional therapy is effective on discogenic low back pain.Conventional therapy combined with Tenghuang Jiangu Tablet for the treatment of discogenic low back pain may be better than conventional therapy alone.All the adverse reactions occurred during the treatment were mild.There is no evidence that Tenghuang Jiangu Tablet can cause serious adverse reactions.However,the number of existing clinical studies is small and the quality is generally not high.It is suggested to carry out more large-sample and high-quality RCTs,and pay more attention to the long-term efficacy of drugs and the occurrence of adverse reactions,so as to further verify the above conclusions.展开更多
<strong>Purpose:</strong> To review the literature on the value of basivertebral nerve abla-tion in the treatment of chronic low back pain. <strong>Materials and Method:</strong> A systematic r...<strong>Purpose:</strong> To review the literature on the value of basivertebral nerve abla-tion in the treatment of chronic low back pain. <strong>Materials and Method:</strong> A systematic review and meta-analysis of the English literature to March 2020 was undertaken. The inclusion criteria were patients with discogenic back pain of more than 3 months duration with modic type 1 or 2 change and suc-cessful disc block or discogram. Primary outcomes were VAS pain, ODI, EQ-5D and SF36 improvement. Secondary outcomes were complications. <strong>Results:</strong> 6 studies were included, all funded by the same company, but oth-erwise of low bias. All studies showed significant improvement in all scores over the first 3 months with evidence these would be maintained over the longer term. There was one reported compression fracture, but otherwise no significant adverse events. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> This study supports the conclusion that radiofrequency ablation of the basivertebral nerve is a safe and effective treatment for discogenic chronic low back pain.展开更多
Background Discography is a gold standard for the diagnosis of the low back pain （LBP）, but it has potential dangers for the development of discitis, cerebral spinal fluid leakage, retroperitoneal bleeding, acute ne...Background Discography is a gold standard for the diagnosis of the low back pain （LBP）, but it has potential dangers for the development of discitis, cerebral spinal fluid leakage, retroperitoneal bleeding, acute new back pain and the tremendous radiation exposure to the patient. Using ＂evidence-based radiology＂ methods, the comparative roles of high intensity zone （HIZ） in diagnosing discogenic LBP were evaluated. Methods A focused clinical question was designed and a Pubmed and manual search were performed to identify the role of HIZ on MRI T2WI compared with discography. The studies retrieved were assessed for validity and strength. Sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios （LRs） and graphs of conditional probability were evaluated from the best current study by evidence-based radiology. Results Best evidence was retrieved in ten articles from 1992 to 2007. The best evidence level was lb and the strength of the evidence included： sensitivity 0.63 （0.51,0.76）, specificity 0.97 （0.92, 1.00）, positive predictive value 0.95, negative predictive value 0.72, positive LRs 18.37 and negative LRs 0.38. The gold standard of discogenic LBP is the provocative discography. Conclusions For suspected discogenic LBP, HIZ is limited for the diagnosis if HIZ is positive, which suggests further discography. In contrast HIZ is a good test for diagnosis if HIZ is negative, which indicates the disease can be excluded.展开更多
Background：The efficacy of percutaneous intradiscal radiofrequency thermocoagulation （PIRFT） for the treatment of discogenic low back pain （LBP） remains controversial.However,all the PIRFT studies utilized monopo...Background：The efficacy of percutaneous intradiscal radiofrequency thermocoagulation （PIRFT） for the treatment of discogenic low back pain （LBP） remains controversial.However,all the PIRFT studies utilized monopolar radiofrequency thermocoagulation （RFTC）.The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of bipolar RFTC for the treatment of discogenic LBP.Methods：A total of 23 patients with discogenic LBP were treated with single-level bipolar RFTC.The patients were assessed before the procedure and at 1 week,1 month,3 months,6 months,and 1 year after the procedure.The primary outcome included the visual analog scale （VAS） score and the Oswestry Disability Index （ODI） score.The secondary outcome included pain relief,reduction of analgesic dose,and patient satisfaction.Results：The VAS and ODI scores were significantly decreased after bipolar RFTC treatment at all time points of follow-up （P 〈 0.05）.Bipolar RFTC treatment also resulted in a significant change in all secondary measures,such as pain relief,reduction of analgesic dose,and patient satisfaction.No serious complications or neurological sequelae were observed in any of the patients.Conclusions：Bipolar RFTC treatment can significantly attenuate pain and improve the function of patients with discogenic LBP.展开更多
In healthy intervertebral discs(IVDs),nerves and blood vessels are present only in the outer annulus fibrosus,while in degenerative IVDs,a large amount of nerve and blood vessel tissue grows inward.Evidence supports t...In healthy intervertebral discs(IVDs),nerves and blood vessels are present only in the outer annulus fibrosus,while in degenerative IVDs,a large amount of nerve and blood vessel tissue grows inward.Evidence supports that neurogenic inflammation produced by neuropeptides such as substance P and calcitonin gene related peptide released by the nociceptive nerve fibers innervating the IVDs plays a crucial role in the process of IVD degeneration.Recently,non-neuronal cells,including IVD cells and infiltrating immune cells,have emerged as important players in neurogenic inflammation.IVD cells and infiltrating immune cells express functional receptors for neuropeptides through which they receive signals from the nervous system.In return,IVD cells and immune cells produce neuropeptides and nerve growth factor,which stimulate nerve fibers.This communication generates a positive bidirectional feedback loop that can enhance the inflammatory response of the IVD.Recently emerging transient receptor potential channels have been recognized as contributors to neurogenic inflammation in the degenerative IVDs.These findings suggest that neurogenic inflammation involves complex pathophysiological interactions between sensory nerves and multiple cell types in the degenerative IVDs.Clarifying the mechanism of neurogenic inflammation in IVD degeneration may provide in-depth understanding of the pathology of discogenic low back pain.展开更多
Background： This study evaluated the efficacy of percutaneous nucleoplasty using coblation technique for the treatment of chronic nonspecific low back pain （LBP）, after 5 years of follow-up. Methods： From Septembe...Background： This study evaluated the efficacy of percutaneous nucleoplasty using coblation technique for the treatment of chronic nonspecific low back pain （LBP）, after 5 years of follow-up. Methods： From September 2004 to November 2006, 172 patients underwent percutaneous nucleoplasty for chronic LBP in our department. Forty-one of these patients were followed up for a mean period of 67 months. Nucleoplasty was performed at L3/4 in 1 patient; L4/5 in 25 patients; L5/$1 in 2 patients; L3/4 and L4/5 in 2 patients; L4/5 and L5/$1 in 7 patients; and L3/4, L4/5, and L5/$1 in 4 patients. Patients were assessed preoperatively and at 1 week, 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years postoperatively. Pain was graded using a 10-cm Visual Analogue Scale （VAS） and the percentage reduction in pain score was calculated at each postoperative time point. The Oswestry Disability Index （ODI） was used to assess disability-related to lumbar spine degeneration, and patient satisfaction was assessed using the modified MacNab criteria. Results： There were significant differences among the preoperative, 1-week postoperative, and 3-year postoperative VAS and ODI scores, but not between the 3- and 5-year postoperative scores. There were no significant differences in age, sex, or preoperative symptoms between patients with effective and ineffective treatment, but there were significant differences in the number of levels treated, Pfirrmann grade of intervertebral disc degeneration, and provocative discography findings between these two groups. Excellent or good patient satisfaction was achieved in 87.9% of patients after 1 week, 72.4% after 1 year, 67.7% after 3 years, and 63.4% at the last follow-up. Conclusions： Although previously published short- and medium-term outcomes after percutaneous nucleoplasty appeared to be satisfactory, our long-term follow-up results show a significant decline in patient satisfaction over time. Percutaneous nucleoplasty is a safe and simple technique, with therapeutic effectiveness for the treatment of chronic LBP in selected patients. The technique is minimally invasive and can be used as part of a stepwise treatment plan for chronic LBP.展开更多
基金supported by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine under EDUC4-12751(Giselle Kaneda)DISC2-14049(Dmitriy Sheyn)+1 种基金Additional support was provided by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases of the National Institutes of Health under award numbers R01AR066517(Debiao Li)R01AR082041(Dmitriy Sheyn).
文摘Chronic lower back pain(LBP)is the leading cause of disability worldwide.Due to its close relationship with intervertebral disc(IVD)degeneration(IVDD),research has historically focused more on understanding the mechanism behind IVDD while clinical efforts prioritize pain management.More recently,there has been a shift toward understanding LBP as a distinct pathological entity.This review synthesizes current knowledge on discogenic LBP,combining known pathophysiology,molecular mechanisms,risk factors,diagnostic challenges,and available experimental models.IVDD is a complex,multifactorial process involving biochemical,mechanical,and inflammatory changes within the disc,leading to structural breakdown and potential discogenic pain.Key mechanisms include extracellular matrix degradation,upregulation of inflammatory mediators,immune cell infiltration,and aberrant nerve and vascular ingrowth.However,not all cases of IVDD result in LBP,highlighting the need for further investigation into the cellular,molecular,and biomechanical factors contributing to symptom development.Current diagnostic tools and experimental models for studying discogenic LBP remain limited,impeding the development of targeted treatments.Existing therapies primarily focus on symptom management rather than addressing underlying disease mechanisms.
文摘Objective To observe the therapeutic difference in treatment of Irishmen with discogenic low back pain （arthritis of cold-damp syndrome type） between heat-sensitive acupoint and acupuncture. Methods Eighty-two patients were randomly assigned to the heat-sensitive group （43 cases） and the acupuncture group （39 cases）. Corresponding heat-sensitive points in the lumbosacral area were selected in the heat-sensitive group. Then moxibustion was performed at the heat-sensitive acupoint, thus conducting the moxibustion sensation. The treatment was ended when the sensation conduction was finished. If there appeared no moxibustion sensation, moxibustion at the corresponding painful point was lasted for 30 min. Needling was performed in the acupuncture group at corresponding Jiájǐ（夹 脊 EX-B 2）, Back-shu point, Wěizhōng （委中 BL 40）; matching points included Huántiào （环跳 GB 30）, Fēngshì（风市 GB 31）, Yánglíngquán （阳陵泉 GB 34）, Zhìbiān （秩边 BL 54）, etc. The waste was irradiated with TDP after needling, with the maintaining time of 30 min. The treatment was carried out twice weekly, four weeks as one therapeutic course. The therapeutic effect was statistically calculated after 8-week treatment. Results Nineteen cases were clinically cured, 20 improved, 4 failed, and the effective rate 90.7%（39/43） in the heat-sensitive group, while 9 clinically cured, 25 improved, 5 failed, and the effective rate 87.2%（34/39） in the acupuncture group. Signif icant difference was shown in the clinically cured case by 2 test （P0.05）. Conclusion Heat-sensitive acupoint was superior to traditional acupuncture in treatment Irishmen with discogenic low back pain.
文摘Lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration is thought to be the main cause of low back pain,although the mechanisms by which it occurs and leads to pain remain unclear.In healthy adult discs,vessels and nerves are present only in the outer layer of the annulus fibrosus and in the bony endplate.Animal models,and histological and biomechanical studies have shown that annulus tear or endplate injury is the initiating factor for painful disc degeneration.Injury to the disc triggers a local inflammatory repair response that activates nociceptors and promotes the synthesis of neuropeptides such as substance P and calcitonin generelated peptide,by dorsal root ganglion neurons.These neuropeptides are transported to injured discs and act as pro-inflammatory molecules,promoting the production of an“inflammatory soup”by inducing vasodilatation and plasma extravasation as well as by promoting the release of chemical mediators from disc cells and infiltrating immune cells,causing neurogenic inflammation that leads to progressive disc degeneration and discogenic pain.
基金2021 Qihuang Scholars Support Project of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine(National Letter of TCM Education[2022]No.6)National Key Research and Development Program"Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine"Project(2018YFC1707400)。
文摘Objective:To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of Tenghuang Jiangu Tablet(藤黄健骨片)in the treatment of discogenic low back pain.Methods:CNKI,WanFang,CBM,VIP,PubMed,EMbase,Cochrane Library and Web of Science were systematically searched to collect the randomized controlled trials(RCTs)of Tenghuang Jiangu Tablet in the treatment of discogenic low back pain.Literature screening and data extraction according to the set criteria were conducted.Cochrane Risk Bias assessment tool was used to evaluate the quality of included RCTs,and Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4.1 software.Results:A total of 4 studies were included,with a total sample size of 404 cases.The results of Meta-analysis suggested that Tenghuang Jiangu Tablet combined with conventional treatment in the treatment of discogenic low back pain was superior to conventional treatment alone in terms of total clinical response rate(RR=1.21,95%CI[1.09,1.35],P=0.0004),excellent rate of curative effect(RR=1.24,95%CI[1.10,1.41],P=0.0007),lower VAS score(MD=-0.62,95%CI[-0.79,-0.44],P<0.00001)and JOA score(MD=1.84,95%CI[1.35,2.33],P<0.00001).There was no statistical significance in the incidence of adverse reactions between Tenghuang Jiangu Tablet combined with conventional treatment and conventional treatment alone(RR=0.76,95%CI[0.04,15.42],P=0.86).Conclusion:Based on existing research and methods,Tenghuang Jiangu Tablet combined with conventional therapy is effective on discogenic low back pain.Conventional therapy combined with Tenghuang Jiangu Tablet for the treatment of discogenic low back pain may be better than conventional therapy alone.All the adverse reactions occurred during the treatment were mild.There is no evidence that Tenghuang Jiangu Tablet can cause serious adverse reactions.However,the number of existing clinical studies is small and the quality is generally not high.It is suggested to carry out more large-sample and high-quality RCTs,and pay more attention to the long-term efficacy of drugs and the occurrence of adverse reactions,so as to further verify the above conclusions.
文摘<strong>Purpose:</strong> To review the literature on the value of basivertebral nerve abla-tion in the treatment of chronic low back pain. <strong>Materials and Method:</strong> A systematic review and meta-analysis of the English literature to March 2020 was undertaken. The inclusion criteria were patients with discogenic back pain of more than 3 months duration with modic type 1 or 2 change and suc-cessful disc block or discogram. Primary outcomes were VAS pain, ODI, EQ-5D and SF36 improvement. Secondary outcomes were complications. <strong>Results:</strong> 6 studies were included, all funded by the same company, but oth-erwise of low bias. All studies showed significant improvement in all scores over the first 3 months with evidence these would be maintained over the longer term. There was one reported compression fracture, but otherwise no significant adverse events. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> This study supports the conclusion that radiofrequency ablation of the basivertebral nerve is a safe and effective treatment for discogenic chronic low back pain.
文摘Background Discography is a gold standard for the diagnosis of the low back pain （LBP）, but it has potential dangers for the development of discitis, cerebral spinal fluid leakage, retroperitoneal bleeding, acute new back pain and the tremendous radiation exposure to the patient. Using ＂evidence-based radiology＂ methods, the comparative roles of high intensity zone （HIZ） in diagnosing discogenic LBP were evaluated. Methods A focused clinical question was designed and a Pubmed and manual search were performed to identify the role of HIZ on MRI T2WI compared with discography. The studies retrieved were assessed for validity and strength. Sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios （LRs） and graphs of conditional probability were evaluated from the best current study by evidence-based radiology. Results Best evidence was retrieved in ten articles from 1992 to 2007. The best evidence level was lb and the strength of the evidence included： sensitivity 0.63 （0.51,0.76）, specificity 0.97 （0.92, 1.00）, positive predictive value 0.95, negative predictive value 0.72, positive LRs 18.37 and negative LRs 0.38. The gold standard of discogenic LBP is the provocative discography. Conclusions For suspected discogenic LBP, HIZ is limited for the diagnosis if HIZ is positive, which suggests further discography. In contrast HIZ is a good test for diagnosis if HIZ is negative, which indicates the disease can be excluded.
基金This work was supported by a grant from the National Natural Science Foundation of China （81401860）.
文摘Background：The efficacy of percutaneous intradiscal radiofrequency thermocoagulation （PIRFT） for the treatment of discogenic low back pain （LBP） remains controversial.However,all the PIRFT studies utilized monopolar radiofrequency thermocoagulation （RFTC）.The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of bipolar RFTC for the treatment of discogenic LBP.Methods：A total of 23 patients with discogenic LBP were treated with single-level bipolar RFTC.The patients were assessed before the procedure and at 1 week,1 month,3 months,6 months,and 1 year after the procedure.The primary outcome included the visual analog scale （VAS） score and the Oswestry Disability Index （ODI） score.The secondary outcome included pain relief,reduction of analgesic dose,and patient satisfaction.Results：The VAS and ODI scores were significantly decreased after bipolar RFTC treatment at all time points of follow-up （P 〈 0.05）.Bipolar RFTC treatment also resulted in a significant change in all secondary measures,such as pain relief,reduction of analgesic dose,and patient satisfaction.No serious complications or neurological sequelae were observed in any of the patients.Conclusions：Bipolar RFTC treatment can significantly attenuate pain and improve the function of patients with discogenic LBP.
文摘In healthy intervertebral discs(IVDs),nerves and blood vessels are present only in the outer annulus fibrosus,while in degenerative IVDs,a large amount of nerve and blood vessel tissue grows inward.Evidence supports that neurogenic inflammation produced by neuropeptides such as substance P and calcitonin gene related peptide released by the nociceptive nerve fibers innervating the IVDs plays a crucial role in the process of IVD degeneration.Recently,non-neuronal cells,including IVD cells and infiltrating immune cells,have emerged as important players in neurogenic inflammation.IVD cells and infiltrating immune cells express functional receptors for neuropeptides through which they receive signals from the nervous system.In return,IVD cells and immune cells produce neuropeptides and nerve growth factor,which stimulate nerve fibers.This communication generates a positive bidirectional feedback loop that can enhance the inflammatory response of the IVD.Recently emerging transient receptor potential channels have been recognized as contributors to neurogenic inflammation in the degenerative IVDs.These findings suggest that neurogenic inflammation involves complex pathophysiological interactions between sensory nerves and multiple cell types in the degenerative IVDs.Clarifying the mechanism of neurogenic inflammation in IVD degeneration may provide in-depth understanding of the pathology of discogenic low back pain.
文摘Background： This study evaluated the efficacy of percutaneous nucleoplasty using coblation technique for the treatment of chronic nonspecific low back pain （LBP）, after 5 years of follow-up. Methods： From September 2004 to November 2006, 172 patients underwent percutaneous nucleoplasty for chronic LBP in our department. Forty-one of these patients were followed up for a mean period of 67 months. Nucleoplasty was performed at L3/4 in 1 patient; L4/5 in 25 patients; L5/$1 in 2 patients; L3/4 and L4/5 in 2 patients; L4/5 and L5/$1 in 7 patients; and L3/4, L4/5, and L5/$1 in 4 patients. Patients were assessed preoperatively and at 1 week, 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years postoperatively. Pain was graded using a 10-cm Visual Analogue Scale （VAS） and the percentage reduction in pain score was calculated at each postoperative time point. The Oswestry Disability Index （ODI） was used to assess disability-related to lumbar spine degeneration, and patient satisfaction was assessed using the modified MacNab criteria. Results： There were significant differences among the preoperative, 1-week postoperative, and 3-year postoperative VAS and ODI scores, but not between the 3- and 5-year postoperative scores. There were no significant differences in age, sex, or preoperative symptoms between patients with effective and ineffective treatment, but there were significant differences in the number of levels treated, Pfirrmann grade of intervertebral disc degeneration, and provocative discography findings between these two groups. Excellent or good patient satisfaction was achieved in 87.9% of patients after 1 week, 72.4% after 1 year, 67.7% after 3 years, and 63.4% at the last follow-up. Conclusions： Although previously published short- and medium-term outcomes after percutaneous nucleoplasty appeared to be satisfactory, our long-term follow-up results show a significant decline in patient satisfaction over time. Percutaneous nucleoplasty is a safe and simple technique, with therapeutic effectiveness for the treatment of chronic LBP in selected patients. The technique is minimally invasive and can be used as part of a stepwise treatment plan for chronic LBP.
