BACKGROUND Far lateral lumbar disc herniation(FLLDH)is a special type of lumbar disc herniation with high rate of missed diagnosis.Selective nerve root block(SNRB)has special advantages in identifying the responsible ...BACKGROUND Far lateral lumbar disc herniation(FLLDH)is a special type of lumbar disc herniation with high rate of missed diagnosis.Selective nerve root block(SNRB)has special advantages in identifying the responsible nerve root.Percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy(PTED)is a minimally invasive and effective method to treat FLLDH.However,no report has investigated PTED combined with SNRB to treat FLLDH.AIM To explore the diagnosis and treatment process,surgical technique and clinical efficacy of PTED combined with SNRB to treat FLLDH.METHODS This is a multicenter center,retrospective,observational study.Between January 2020 and January 2022,32 patients were initially diagnosed with FLLDH.All the patients were identified using SNRB to determine the responsible segment and involved nerve roots.Because of poor symptomatic control following SNRB,2 patients were excluded.30 patients diagnosed with FFLDH underwent PTED.The clinical characteristics,operative and postoperative outcomes,complication and subsequent follow-up were collected.RESULTS 30 patients who underwent SNRB combined with PTED were followed up.The average visual analogue scale(VAS)-leg score,VAS-back score,Oswestry disability index(ODI)score at the Follow-up(1 day,1 month,3 months and last follow-up)were significantly different compared per-operation.According to the modified Macnab efficacy evaluation standard,the satisfaction degree at the last follow-up was excellent(28,93.33%),good(1,3.33%),medium(1,3.33%)and poor(0,0%).CONCLUSION SNRB provides an effective method for the definite diagnosis of FLDH and responsible nerve roots.Combination therapy offers several advantages including minimal invasiveness,precision,effectiveness,safety and low recurrence rates.展开更多
BACKGROUND：It has been shown that interleukin-1 （IL-1） may cause inflammatory reactions, which stimulate the nerve root of patients with lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion and leads to pain. Whether the clinical...BACKGROUND：It has been shown that interleukin-1 （IL-1） may cause inflammatory reactions, which stimulate the nerve root of patients with lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion and leads to pain. Whether the clinical curative effects of acupuncture in the treatment of lumbar and leg pain are linked to an inhibition of local IL-1 secretion is unknown. OBJECTIVE： To assess the influence of acupuncture on IL-1, this study was designed to verify the effects of acupuncture at the ＂Huatuojiaji （Extra）＂ point on the nerve root in a rat model of lumbar nerve root compression, compared with administration of meloxicam, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： Randomized, controlled, molecular biology experiment, performed at the Experimental Center, Sixth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University between September 2005 and April 2006. MATERIALS： Forty healthy adult Sprague Dawley rats of either gender were included in this study. The rats were randomly and evenly divided into the following four groups： normal control, model, acupuncture and meloxicam groups. Lumbar nerve root compression was induced in rats in the model, acupuncture, and meloxicam groups by inserting a specially made silicon rubber slice at the juncture of the L5 nerve root and the dural sac. The acupuncture needle （pattern number N3030, 30#, 1.5 inch） was purchased from Suzhou Medical Appliance Factory, China. IL-1 enzyme linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） kit was purchased from Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Inc., USA. METHODS： The acupuncture group was acupunctured at the ＂Huatuojiaji＂ point, which is lateral to the compressed L5-6 nerve root, with an acupuncture depth of 0.5 cm. There were two treatment courses, each of involved seven 20-minute acupuncture sessions, one session a day. The meloxicam group was administered intragastrically 3.75 mg/kg meloxicam （5 mg meloxicam /10 mL physiological saline）. Rats in the normal control group and model group received an intragastric administration of 10 mL/kg physiological saline. All administrations were performed once a day. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： At day 14 post-surgery, the IL-1 level in the compressed nerve root was determined by a streptavidin-peroxidase （S-P） immunohistochemical method, and IL-1β mRNA expression in the compressed nerve root was simultaneously detected by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS： The expression levels of IL-1 and IL-1β mRNA in the L5 nerve root were significantly higher in the model group than in the control group （P 〈 0.01）. However, the expression levels of IL-1 and IL-1β mRNA were significantly lower in the acupuncture and meloxicam groups than in the model group （P 〈 0.05–0.01）. Expression levels of IL-1 and IL-1β mRNA were significantly higher in the acupuncture group than in the meloxicam group （P 〈 0.01）. CONCLUSION： Acupuncture at the ＂Huatuojiaji＂ point decreases the IL-1 level by inhibiting IL-1β mRNA expression to a greater extent than meloxicam administration.展开更多
Current animal models of nerve root compression due to lumbar disc herniation only assess the mechanical compression of nerve roots and the inflammatory response. Moreover, the pressure applied in these models is stat...Current animal models of nerve root compression due to lumbar disc herniation only assess the mechanical compression of nerve roots and the inflammatory response. Moreover, the pressure applied in these models is static, meaning that the nerve root cannot be dynamically compressed. This is very different from the pathogenesis of lumbar disc herniation. In this study, a chitosan/polyacrylamide double-network hydrogel was prepared by a simple two-step method. The swelling ratio of the double-network hydrogel increased with prolonged time, reaching 140. The compressive strength and compressive modulus of the hydrogel reached 53.6 and 0.34 MPa, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the hydrogel's crosslinked structure with many interconnecting pores. An MTT assay demonstrated that the number of viable cells in contact with the hydrogel extracts did not significantly change relative to the control surface. Thus, the hydrogel had good biocompatibility. Finally, the double-network hydrogel was used to compress the L4 nerve root of male sand rats to simulate lumbar disc herniation nerve root compression. The hydrogel remained in its original position after compression, and swelled with increasing time. Edema appeared around the nerve root and disappeared 3 weeks after operation. This chitosan/polyacrylamide double-network hydrogel has potential as a new implant material for animal models of lumbar nerve root compression. All animal experiments were approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of Neurosurgical Institute of Beijing, Capital Medical University, China(approval No. 201601006) on July 29, 2016.展开更多
A nerve stimulation-guided lumbar plexus block is a well-established technique.It is not clear whether ultrasound guidance has additional value for this deep block technique.This study aimed to examine whether ultraso...A nerve stimulation-guided lumbar plexus block is a well-established technique.It is not clear whether ultrasound guidance has additional value for this deep block technique.This study aimed to examine whether ultrasound guidance using a paramedian transverse scan through the intertransverse space(PMTS-ITS)approach in combination with nerve stimulation reduces the onset time of a complete sensory block.Forty-four patients who were scheduled to undergo arthroscopic knee surgery with an ultrasound visibility score(UVS)of≥10 for the lumbar plexus were enrolled and randomly allocated to the ultrasound guidance with nerve stimulation group(group U-N)or nerve stimulation group(group N)in this prospective,randomized,parallel-group,active-controlled study.The primary outcome was the onset time of a complete sensory block.The results showed that the onset time of a complete sensory block to pinprick and cold was 10(10–40)min and 10(10–40)min in group U-N,respectively,and 30(10–40)min and 20(10–40)min in group N(P=0.005,P=0.004),respectively.The performance time was 658±87 s in group U-N and 528±97 s in group N(P<0.001).There was no(0%)patient who required 5 or more needle passes in group U-N and 6(27.3%)in group N(P=0.028).The block failure rate was 9.1%in group U-N and 31.8%in group N(P>0.05).In conclusion,ultrasound guidance using the PMTS-ITS approach in combination with nerve stimulation led to a faster onset of a complete sensory block than nerve stimulation alone for a lumbar plexus block in patients with a UVS≥10.Ultrasound guidance with nerve stimulation significantly decreased the number of patients who required 5 or more needle passes.展开更多
BACKGROUND： Computed Tomography （CT） and Magnetic Resonance Imaging （MRI） can display the site of lumbar spinal stenosis and predict nervous compression at the morphological level; however, pure morphological cha...BACKGROUND： Computed Tomography （CT） and Magnetic Resonance Imaging （MRI） can display the site of lumbar spinal stenosis and predict nervous compression at the morphological level; however, pure morphological changes cannot reflect functional alterations in a compressed nerve root. Dermatomal somatosensory evoked potential （DSEP） provides a means to assess the functional state of a nerve root. OBJECTIVE： To evaluate the clinical significance of DSEP, assessing the degree of nerve root injury following lumbar spinal stenosis. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A case-control study was performed in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hainan People＇s Hospital, China, between September 2004 and December 2007. PARTICIPANTS： Forty-seven patients diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis by CT or MRI were selected as the case group; fifty healthy subjects were collected as the control group. METHODS： A KEYPOINT myoelectric evoked potential apparatus （DANTEC Company, Denmark） was used to measure DSEP, and stimulative spots were determined in accordance with the skin key sensory spot standards established by The American Spinal Injury Association： L4 in the medial malleolus, L5 in the third metatarsophalangeal joint of the dorsum of foot and S1 in the lateral heel. The needle electrode used as the recording electrode was located at the Cz point of the cranium, and the reference electrode at the Fz point. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Latency of the P40 peak of DSEP, P1-N1 amplitude, P40 waveform and differentiation and disappearance of various waves. RESULTS： The sensitivity and diagnostic concurrence with surgery of nerve root injury following lumbar spinal stenosis evaluated by DSEP was 95.7 %. P40 latencies at L4, L5 and S1 in the case group were significantly longer than in the control group （P 〈 0.05）, and the P1-N1 amplitude in the case group was significantly lower than the control group （P 〈 0.05-0.01）. Nerve root injury was categorized according to DSEP latency as follows： severe damage （disappearance of the P40 wave in 103 dermatomes）, moderate damage （prolongation of the P40 peak latency ≥ 3.0 times the standard deviation of the normal mean in 60 dermatomes） and mild damage （prolongation of the P40 peak latency ≥ 2.5 times the standard deviation of the normal mean in 31 dermatomes）. CONCLUSION： DSEP can be used to determine the severity of nerve root injury following lumbar spinal stenosis with high sensitivity and specificity.展开更多
Local sympathetic denervation by surgical sympathectomy is used in the treatment of lower limb ulcers and ischemia,but the restoration of cutaneous sympathetic nerve functions is less clear.This study aims to explore ...Local sympathetic denervation by surgical sympathectomy is used in the treatment of lower limb ulcers and ischemia,but the restoration of cutaneous sympathetic nerve functions is less clear.This study aims to explore the recovery of cutaneous sympathetic functions after bilateral L2-4 sympathectomy.The skin temperature of the left feet,using a point monitoring thermometer,increased intraoperatively after sympathectomy.The cytoplasm of sympathetic neurons contained tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamineβ-hydroxylase,visualized by immunofluorescence,indicated the accuracy of sympathectomy.Iodine starch test results suggested that the sweating function of the hind feet plantar skin decreased 2 and 7 weeks after lumbar sympathectomy but had recovered by 3 months.Immunofluorescence and western blot assay results revealed that norepinephrine and dopamineβ-hydroxylase expression in the skin from the sacrococcygeal region and hind feet decreased in the sympathectomized group at 2 weeks.Transmission electron microscopy results showed that perinuclear space and axon demyelination in sympathetic cells in the L5 sympathetic trunks were found in the sympathectomized group 3 months after sympathectomy.Although sympathetic denervation occurred in the sacrococcygeal region and hind feet skin 2 weeks after lumbar sympathectomy,the skin functions recovered gradually over 7 weeks to 3 months.In conclusion,sympathetic functional recovery may account for the recurrence of hyperhidrosis after sympathectomy and the normalization of sympathetic nerve trunks after incomplete injury.The recovery of sympathetic nerve function was slower in the limbs than in the torso after bilateral L（2-4） sympathectomy.展开更多
Objective To investigate the distribution of sensory nerve terminals in the lumbar intervertebral disc and posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL) in an animal model. Methods Immunohistochemical method was used to vis...Objective To investigate the distribution of sensory nerve terminals in the lumbar intervertebral disc and posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL) in an animal model. Methods Immunohistochemical method was used to visualize nerve terminals with antibodies of substance P(SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide(CGRP), and to characterize sensory nerve terminals on sections from lumbar intervertebral disc and posterior longitudinal ligament(PLL) of the Sprague Dawley rats.Results The immunostaining revealed an extensive distribution of SP and CGRP immunoreactive nerve fibers in the surface and most superficial portions of all annulus fibrosus and PLL. Most immunoreactions were observed in ventral and lateral regions of the annulus fibrosus. Morphologically, both thin varicose nerve fibers and tiny punctate nerve terminals could be observed. Conclusion This study demonstrates an extensive distribution of SP and CGRP immunoreactive nerve fibers throughout the PLL and the peripheral annulus fibrosus and provides an illustration of this distribution. This finding supports a role for the disc as a source of low back pain and provides the neuroanatomic foundation of the disc-genic pain.展开更多
BACKGROUND Ewing’s sarcoma(ES)is a highly aggressive bone malignancy.Extraskeletal ES(EES)originating in the spinal canal is extremely rare.Herein,we report on a rare case of EES with a primary lumbar spinal nerve ro...BACKGROUND Ewing’s sarcoma(ES)is a highly aggressive bone malignancy.Extraskeletal ES(EES)originating in the spinal canal is extremely rare.Herein,we report on a rare case of EES with a primary lumbar spinal nerve root including the complete diagnosis and treatment.CASE SUMMARY A young female patient presented with a complaint of right lower limb pain for 1 mo.Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)revealed an 11 mm×14 mm×31 mm mass in the lumbar epidural region extending at the fifth lumbar spine(L5)level toward the right L5 neural foramen.Our initial diagnosis was an epidural schwannoma.The patient underwent total laminectomy,tumor resection and pedicle screw internal fixation and the L5 root tumor was found to have been completely removed intraoperatively.Histopathological examination of the lesion showed a typical ES with a large number of small,round cells.Immunohistochemistry analysis indicated positive CD99 and S100.After surgery,the patient received chemotherapy and radiotherapy with a 1 year of follow-up and no recurrent tumors or new lesions were found upon spine MRI and positron emission tomography/computed tomography reexamination.CONCLUSION Clinically,ES outside the bone should be considered when nerve root tumors are encountered inside and outside the spinal canal and the diagnosis should be determined by pathological biopsy.After surgical resection,chemotherapy and radiotherapy should be performed.After treatment,active follow-up and regular review should be completed.展开更多
Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Chinese medicine methods(acupuncture,tui na,acupuncture knife,traditional Chinese medicine,traction)combined with nerve block treatment for lumbar disc herniation using B...Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Chinese medicine methods(acupuncture,tui na,acupuncture knife,traditional Chinese medicine,traction)combined with nerve block treatment for lumbar disc herniation using Bayesian mesh Meta-analysis.Methods:Randomized controlled studies of TCM methods combined with nerve block for lumbar disc herniation in CNKI,Wanfang,Vip,China Biomedical Literature Library,Pubmed,Web of science,and The Cochrance Library databases were searched for the period from the establishment of each database to May 2021.2 researchers independently followed the developed nerf criteria to Screening was performed.Bayesian model mesh Meta-analysis was performed using R,RStudio,and addis-1.16.6 software.Results:Twenty-seven papers with a total of 2074 subjects were finally included,involving six interventions,namely nerve block alone,herbal medicine combined with nerve block,acupuncture combined with nerve block,acupuncture combined with nerve block,traction combined with nerve block,and tui na combined with nerve block.The results of the net analysis showed that(1)in terms of efficiency,all interventions were better than simple nerve block except for traction combined nerve block,and acupuncture,acupuncture,tui-na and Chinese medicine combined nerve block were better than traction combined nerve block respectively,and the probability ranked first for acupuncture combined nerve block.(2)On the VAS score,except for traction combined with nerve block,other interventions were superior to simple nerve block,and the combination of herbal medicine,acupuncture,and acupuncture respectively was superior to traction combined with nerve block,and the intervention with the best probability ranking result was herbal medicine combined with nerve block.(3)There was no statistical difference between the two interventions compared in terms of JOA scores,and the probability ranked first for herbal medicine combined nerve block.Conclusion:Chinese medicine combined nerve block was superior to nerve block alone,and Chinese medicine combined nerve block and acupuncture combined nerve block measures were more effective in the treatment of LDH,and traction combined nerve block was less effective.展开更多
Objective: To observe the clinical effect of modified akupotomye closed lysis under CT guidance on compression of posterior lumbar nerve branch.Methods: Patients were diagnosed by HRCT 3-D reconstruction combined with...Objective: To observe the clinical effect of modified akupotomye closed lysis under CT guidance on compression of posterior lumbar nerve branch.Methods: Patients were diagnosed by HRCT 3-D reconstruction combined with clinical symptoms and signs.After HRCT three-dimensional reconstruction combined with clinical symptoms and signs, the patients were confirmed as posterior lumbar nerve compression.After CT accurate surface positioning, CT-guided modified akupotomye was used for closed lysis of the posterior lumbar nerve branch.Oswestry Dysfunction Index Questionnaire(ODI) was used for quantitative scoring, 7 days before and after treatment and 6 months after treatment.Results: In 62 cases, 20 cases were cured, with 25 cases markedly effective, 11 cases effective, and 36 cases ineffective.The total effective rate was 90.3%.ODI score: Self-paired t test 7 days before after treatment, P < 0.01;Before treatment and 6 months after treatment, self-paired t test(P < 0.01);Self-paired t-test was performed 7 days after treatment and 6 months after treatment(P > 0.05).Conclusion: With CT precise positioning, the modified akupotomye can be used to do closed lysis, to relieve the adhesion and compression, so that the low back pain can be relieved, with good clinical.The akupotomye closed lysis, combined with modern imaging technology has not only achieved good clinical effect, but also can improve the accuracy, safety and scientificity of akupotomye treatment.展开更多
Objective: To study the difference of nerve conduction and injury degree in patients with lumbar disc herniation after microendoscopic discectomy and fenestration discectomy. Methods: Patients with single-segment lumb...Objective: To study the difference of nerve conduction and injury degree in patients with lumbar disc herniation after microendoscopic discectomy and fenestration discectomy. Methods: Patients with single-segment lumbar disc herniation who were treated in Dazhou Central Hospital between May 2014 and February 2017 were selected as the research subjects, the history data were reviewed and the operation methods were referred to divide them into FD group and MED group who received fenestration discectomy and microendoscopic discectomy respectively. The conduction velocity of common peroneal nerve and tibial nerve were detected before operation and 4 weeks after operation;serum levels of nerve and muscle injury-related molecules as well as inflammation and stress-related molecules were detected before operation and 3 days after operation. Results: MNCV levels of common peroneal nerve and tibial nerve 4 weeks after operation as well as serum CRP, TNF-α, MDA and AOPP contents 3 d after operation of both groups of patients were significantly higher than those before operation, and the MNCV levels of common peroneal nerve and tibial nerve of MED group 4 weeks after operation were significantly higher than those of FD group while serum CRP, TNF-α, MDA and AOPP contents of MED group 3 d after operation were not significantly different from those of FD group;serum NSE, S100B, Tau, pNF-H, CPK, Myo and LDH contents of FD patients 3 d after operation were significantly higher than those before operation while serum NSE, S100B, Tau, pNF-H, CPK, Myo and LDH contents of MED group were not significantly different from those before operation. Conclusion: Microendoscopic discectomy for lumbar disc herniation can relieve the nerve and muscle injury, and is equivalent to fenestration discectomy in activating the systemic stress and inflammatory response.展开更多
No reports have described experiments designed to determine the strength characteristics of spinal nerve roots and rami radiculares for the purpose of explaining the complexity of symptoms of medullary cone lesions an...No reports have described experiments designed to determine the strength characteristics of spinal nerve roots and rami radiculares for the purpose of explaining the complexity of symptoms of medullary cone lesions and cauda equina syndrome. In this study, to explain the pathogenesis of cauda equina syndrome, monoaxial tensile tests were performed to determine the strength characteristics of spinal nerve roots and rami radiculares, and analysis was conducted to evaluate the stress-strain relationship and strength characteristics. Using the same tensile test device, the nerve root and ramus radiculares isolated from the spinal cords of pigs were subjected to the tensile test and stress relaxation test at load strain rates of 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 s-1 under identical settings. The tensile strength of the nerve root was not rate dependent, while the ramus radiculares tensile strength tended to decrease as the strain rate increased. These findings provide important insights into cauda equina symptoms, radiculopathy, and clinical symptoms of the medullary cone.展开更多
Ninety-four patients with lumbar intervertebral disc herniation were enrolled in this study. Of these, 48 were treated with Feng＇s Spinal Manipulation, hot fomentation, and bed rest （treatment group）. The remaining...Ninety-four patients with lumbar intervertebral disc herniation were enrolled in this study. Of these, 48 were treated with Feng＇s Spinal Manipulation, hot fomentation, and bed rest （treatment group）. The remaining 46 patients were treated with hot fomentation and bed rest only （control group）. After 3 weeks of treatment, clinical parameters including the angle of straight-leg raising, visual analogue scale pain score, and Japanese Orthopaedic Association score for low back pain were improved. The treatment group had significantly better improvement in scores than the control group. Magnetic resonance myelography three-dimensional reconstruction imaging of the vertebral canal demonstrated that filling of the compressed nerve root sleeve with cerebrospinal fluid increased significantly in the treatment group. The diameter of the nerve root sleeve was significantly larger in the treatment group than in the control group. However, the sagittal diameter index of the herniated nucleus pulposus and the angle between the nerve root sleeve and the thecal sac did not change significantly in either the treatment or control groups. The effectiveness of Feng＇s Spinal Manipulation for the treatment of symptoms associated with lumbar intervertebral disc herniation may be attributable to the relief of nerve root compression, without affecting the herniated nucleus pulposus or changing the morphology or position of the nerve root.展开更多
BACKGROUND： It has been reported that dermatomal somatosensory evoked potential （DSEP） can be used for diagnosing nerve root injury in patients with lumbar disc herniation （LDH）, and that 83% 95% of patients suff...BACKGROUND： It has been reported that dermatomal somatosensory evoked potential （DSEP） can be used for diagnosing nerve root injury in patients with lumbar disc herniation （LDH）, and that 83% 95% of patients suffer from the disease. Body height correction is not performed prior to determinations of latency and latency difference between the healthy and affected sides. However, latency noticeably correlates to body height. OBJECTIVE： This study aims to determine the lumbosacral nerve root injury in patients with LDH by DSEP, and to evaluate the sensitivity of the DSEP difference between the healthy and affected sides using a diagnostic index following body height correction. DESIGN： A case-control observation. SETTING： Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hainan Provincial People＇s Hospital. PARTICIPANTS： Ninety-six patients, comprised of 67 males and 29 females, with an average age of 43 years and a mean body height of 1.65 m （range 1.48-1.81 m）, were recruited for this study. These patients suffered from unilateral lower limb radiation pain and received treatment at the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hainan Provincial People＇s Hospital between January 2004 and December 2006. All patients were confirmed to suffer from LDH at the L3-4, L-5, and/or Ls-SI by CT and/or MRI examinations. Central nervous system diseases were excluded. In order to obtain a normal reference value, DSEP was determined for a group of 50 subjects, who concurrently received health examinations in the same department. The subjects had no previous history of back leg pain or nervous system disease. The group of healthy controls included 26 males and 24 females, with an average age of 37 years and a mean body height of 1.63 m （range 1.50-1.80 m）. Written informed consent was obtained from all subjects for laboratory samples. The protocol was approved by the Hospital＇s Ethics Committees. DSEP was determined with myoelectricity-evoked potential equipment （Keypoint, Batch No. 9020A0042591, Dantec Company, Denmark）. METHODS： DSEP of patients with LDH was determined. Constant-voltage square pulse stimulation was used to determine DSEP, with the following parameters： a pulse wave width of 0.2 milliseconds; a saddle-like stimulating electrode; a stimulation intensity 3 times greater than the sensation threshold; a stimulation frequency of 1.5 Hz; mean superposition greater than 100 times; and inter-electrode impedance 〈 5 k Q. The stimulation point was a skin key sensation point confirmed by the American Spinal Injury Association, i.e. L4 at medial malleolus, L5 at the third metatarsophalangeal joint on the dorsum of the foot, and SI at the lateral heel. The recording electrode was a needle electrode, the recording point was Cz, and the reference electrode was Fz. DSEP latency of P40, and latency differences of P40, between the healthy side and the affected side, were determined. DSEP at L4, L5, and S1 nerve roots of the lower limbs of 50 healthy controls were bilaterally determined. The normal values of P40 latency and P40 N50 amplitude were statistically obtained. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Determination of DSEP values. RESULTS： Ninety-six patients with LDH and fifty healthy controls participated in the final analysis. In the healthy controls, the amplitude of DSEP varied greatly, with a mean amplitude co-efficient of variation of 58% for L4, L5, and SI dermatomes. P40 latency was stable, with a mean latency coefficient of variation of 4.7%. In patients with LDH, the P40 wave disappeared. P40 latency was 2.5 times prolonged compared to normal mean value. P40 latency difference between the healthy and the affected side was 2.5 times higher than the normal mean value of the healthy side. CONCLUSION： DSEP can reflect the functional status of lumbosacral nerve root. P40 latency difference between the healthy side and the affected side is the most sensitive diagnosis index for patients with LDH suffering from unilateral lower limb radiation pain.展开更多
BACKGROUND Redundant nerve roots(RNRs)of the cauda equina are often a natural evolutionary part of lumbar spinal canal stenosis secondary to degenerative processes characterized by elongated,enlarged,and tortuous nerv...BACKGROUND Redundant nerve roots(RNRs)of the cauda equina are often a natural evolutionary part of lumbar spinal canal stenosis secondary to degenerative processes characterized by elongated,enlarged,and tortuous nerve roots in the superior and/or inferior of the stenotic segment.Although magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)findings have been defined more frequently in recent years,this condition has been relatively under-recognized in radiological practice.In this study,lumbar MRI findings of RNRs of the cauda equina were evaluated in spinal stenosis patients.AIM To evaluate RNRs of the cauda equina in spinal stenosis patients.METHODS One-hundred and thirty-one patients who underwent lumbar MRI and were found to have spinal stenosis between March 2010 and February 2019 were included in the study.On axial T2-weighted images(T2WI),the cross-sectional area(CSA)of the dural sac was measured at L2-3,L3-4,L4-5,and L5-S1 levels in the axial plane.CSA levels below 100 mm^2 were considered stenosis.Elongation,expansion,and tortuosity in cauda equina fibers in the superior and/or inferior of the stenotic segment were evaluated as RNRs.The patients were divided into two groups:Those with RNRs and those without RNRs.The CSA cut-off value resulting in RNRs of cauda equina was calculated.Relative length(RL)of RNRs was calculated by dividing the length of RNRs at mid-sagittal T2WI by the height of the vertebral body superior to the stenosis level.The associations of CSA leading to RNRs with RL,disc herniation type,and spondylolisthesis were evaluated.RESULTS Fifty-five patients(42%)with spinal stenosis had RNRs of the cauda equina.The average CSA was 40.99±12.76 mm^2 in patients with RNRs of the cauda equina and 66.83±19.32 mm^2 in patients without RNRs.A significant difference was found between the two groups for CSA values(P<0.001).Using a cut-off value of 55.22 mm^2 for RNRs of the cauda equina,sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive value(PPV),and negative predictive value(NPV)values of 96.4%,96.1%,89.4%,and 98.7%were obtained,respectively.RL was 3.39±1.31(range:0.93-6.01).When the extension of RNRs into the superior and/or inferior of the spinal canal stenosis level was evaluated,it was superior in 54.5%,both superior and inferior in 32.8%,and inferior in 12.7%.At stenosis levels leading to RNRs of the cauda equina,29 disc herniations with soft margins and 26 with sharp margins were detected.Disc herniation type and spondylolisthesis had no significant relationship with RL or CSA of the dural sac with stenotic levels(P>0.05).As the CSA of the dural sac decreased,the incidence of RNRs observed at the superior of the stenosis level increased(P<0.001).CONCLUSION RNRs of the cauda equina are frequently observed in patients with spinal stenosis.When the CSA of the dural sac is<55 mm^2,lumbar MRIs should be carefully examined for this condition.展开更多
AIM: To study the anatomy(formation, course, relationships and branching pattern) of the obturator nerve in detail.METHODS: The study was based on 500 adult human formalin-embalmed cadavers, 342 males and 158 females....AIM: To study the anatomy(formation, course, relationships and branching pattern) of the obturator nerve in detail.METHODS: The study was based on 500 adult human formalin-embalmed cadavers, 342 males and 158 females. We studied the anatomical formation, course and relationships of the obturator nerve within the lesser pelvis before the obturator canal. Finally, the whole course of the obturator nerve was examined.RESULTS: We found numerous anatomical variations about the formation of the obturator nerve, its division into two main branches, its articular branches, its intrapelvic branches for the periosteum of the pubic bone, and also the number of its muscular divisions and its anatomical relationship to the obturator externus muscle and obturator artery. We found that fibers from the L3 and L4 spinal nerves are standard components of the obturator nerve. The main trunk of the obturator nerve divides into anterior and posterior branches, within the pelvis in 23.30%, within the obturator canal in 52.30% and extrapelvic in 24.35% of cases. The anterior branch of the obturator nerve supplies three muscular branches in 67.10%, two muscular branches in 28.94% and four muscular branches in 3.94% of the cases. The posterior branch of the obturator nerve supplies two muscular branches in 60.52%, three muscularbranches in 19.07%, one muscular branch in 14.47% and four muscular branches in 5.92% of cases.CONCLUSION: We present a gross anatomical study of the human obturator nerve based on a remarkably large number of cases as well as potential clinical applications of our findings.展开更多
Objective: This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of PETD combined with nerve root water imaging of MRI for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation. Methods: A retrospective review was performed on 62 pat...Objective: This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of PETD combined with nerve root water imaging of MRI for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation. Methods: A retrospective review was performed on 62 patients with lumbar disc herniation from March 2019 to March 2021. The study included an experimental group of 30 patients and a control group of 32 patients. The experimental group underwent PETD combined with nerve root water imaging of MRI, while the control group received traditional PETD treatment. The visual analogue scoring method (VAS score), and JOA lumbar spine function score before and after surgery were compared between the two groups, and efficacy was assessed and compared using the MacNab score. Results: The mean operation time was significantly reduced in the experimental group (56.43 ±10.40 minutes) compared to the control group (65.69 ±14.12 minutes). The VAS score was compared between the two groups with preoperative (p = 0.624), one month after surgery (p = 0.325), three months after surgery (p = 0.676), one year after surgery (p = 0.341);The JOA score was compared between the two groups with preoperative (p = 0.961), one month after the surgery (p = 0.266), three months after surgery (p = 0.185), one year after surgery (p = 0.870), they were no significant statistical difference;The efficacy evaluation of the last follow-up Macnab showed that all the 30 patients in the experimental group were excellent, 31 of 32 patients in the control group were excellent, 1 case was good;There was no statistical difference in the comparison between the two groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The study concludes that the combined approach of PETD with nerve root water imaging of MRI is a safe, effective, and more efficient alternative to conventional PETD for treating lumbar disc herniation.展开更多
Objective To observe the changes of sciatic nerve conduction velocity （SNCV） and interleukin-1α （IL-1α）, phospholipase A2 （PLA2） and prostaglandin E2 （PGE2） in neucleus pulposus tissue in experimental rabbit...Objective To observe the changes of sciatic nerve conduction velocity （SNCV） and interleukin-1α （IL-1α）, phospholipase A2 （PLA2） and prostaglandin E2 （PGE2） in neucleus pulposus tissue in experimental rabbits with lumbar disc herniation （LDH） ; and discuss the mechanism of LDH treated with bloodletting on Wěizhōng （委中 BL40）. Methods 40 normal named control group, LDH model group, BL40 group New Zealand rabbits were randomized into 4 groups, and comparative point group. The experimental LDH model was prepared by the self-made LDH animal pathological modeling device. Bloodletting on BL40 or on comparative point was applied for 7 days. BL-410 physiological signal recorder was used to record SNCV. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） and radioimmunology methods were used to determine the contents of IL-1α and PLA2 in neucleus pulposus tissue and PGE2 in serum. Results In BL40 group, SNCV was significantly increased after treatment comparing with that before treatment （P〈0. 01 ）, and the difference in SNCV value before and after treatment was significantly bigger than that in model group and comparative point group （P〈0.05）. Bloodletting on BL40 reduced the contents of IL-1α and PLA2 in neucleus pulposus tissue and serum PGE2 in LDH rabbits, which indicated significant difference or very significant results in the comparison with model and comparative point groups （P〈0.01 or 0. 05）. Conclusion Bloodletting speeded up rapidly SNCV and reduced the contents of inflammatory factors, i.e. IL-1α, PLA2 and serum PGE2 in LDH rabbits, which indicated that alleviation of local inflammatory reaction is probably one of the mechanisms on LDH treated by bloodletting on BL40.展开更多
基金Supported by the National Key R&D Program of China,No.Key Special Project for Marine Environmental Security and Sustainable Development of Coral Reefs 2022-3.5the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.82102605,82472458,and 82272533.
文摘BACKGROUND Far lateral lumbar disc herniation(FLLDH)is a special type of lumbar disc herniation with high rate of missed diagnosis.Selective nerve root block(SNRB)has special advantages in identifying the responsible nerve root.Percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy(PTED)is a minimally invasive and effective method to treat FLLDH.However,no report has investigated PTED combined with SNRB to treat FLLDH.AIM To explore the diagnosis and treatment process,surgical technique and clinical efficacy of PTED combined with SNRB to treat FLLDH.METHODS This is a multicenter center,retrospective,observational study.Between January 2020 and January 2022,32 patients were initially diagnosed with FLLDH.All the patients were identified using SNRB to determine the responsible segment and involved nerve roots.Because of poor symptomatic control following SNRB,2 patients were excluded.30 patients diagnosed with FFLDH underwent PTED.The clinical characteristics,operative and postoperative outcomes,complication and subsequent follow-up were collected.RESULTS 30 patients who underwent SNRB combined with PTED were followed up.The average visual analogue scale(VAS)-leg score,VAS-back score,Oswestry disability index(ODI)score at the Follow-up(1 day,1 month,3 months and last follow-up)were significantly different compared per-operation.According to the modified Macnab efficacy evaluation standard,the satisfaction degree at the last follow-up was excellent(28,93.33%),good(1,3.33%),medium(1,3.33%)and poor(0,0%).CONCLUSION SNRB provides an effective method for the definite diagnosis of FLDH and responsible nerve roots.Combination therapy offers several advantages including minimal invasiveness,precision,effectiveness,safety and low recurrence rates.
文摘BACKGROUND：It has been shown that interleukin-1 （IL-1） may cause inflammatory reactions, which stimulate the nerve root of patients with lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion and leads to pain. Whether the clinical curative effects of acupuncture in the treatment of lumbar and leg pain are linked to an inhibition of local IL-1 secretion is unknown. OBJECTIVE： To assess the influence of acupuncture on IL-1, this study was designed to verify the effects of acupuncture at the ＂Huatuojiaji （Extra）＂ point on the nerve root in a rat model of lumbar nerve root compression, compared with administration of meloxicam, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： Randomized, controlled, molecular biology experiment, performed at the Experimental Center, Sixth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University between September 2005 and April 2006. MATERIALS： Forty healthy adult Sprague Dawley rats of either gender were included in this study. The rats were randomly and evenly divided into the following four groups： normal control, model, acupuncture and meloxicam groups. Lumbar nerve root compression was induced in rats in the model, acupuncture, and meloxicam groups by inserting a specially made silicon rubber slice at the juncture of the L5 nerve root and the dural sac. The acupuncture needle （pattern number N3030, 30#, 1.5 inch） was purchased from Suzhou Medical Appliance Factory, China. IL-1 enzyme linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） kit was purchased from Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Inc., USA. METHODS： The acupuncture group was acupunctured at the ＂Huatuojiaji＂ point, which is lateral to the compressed L5-6 nerve root, with an acupuncture depth of 0.5 cm. There were two treatment courses, each of involved seven 20-minute acupuncture sessions, one session a day. The meloxicam group was administered intragastrically 3.75 mg/kg meloxicam （5 mg meloxicam /10 mL physiological saline）. Rats in the normal control group and model group received an intragastric administration of 10 mL/kg physiological saline. All administrations were performed once a day. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： At day 14 post-surgery, the IL-1 level in the compressed nerve root was determined by a streptavidin-peroxidase （S-P） immunohistochemical method, and IL-1β mRNA expression in the compressed nerve root was simultaneously detected by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS： The expression levels of IL-1 and IL-1β mRNA in the L5 nerve root were significantly higher in the model group than in the control group （P 〈 0.01）. However, the expression levels of IL-1 and IL-1β mRNA were significantly lower in the acupuncture and meloxicam groups than in the model group （P 〈 0.05–0.01）. Expression levels of IL-1 and IL-1β mRNA were significantly higher in the acupuncture group than in the meloxicam group （P 〈 0.01）. CONCLUSION： Acupuncture at the ＂Huatuojiaji＂ point decreases the IL-1 level by inhibiting IL-1β mRNA expression to a greater extent than meloxicam administration.
基金supported by the High Levels of Health Technical Personnel in Beijing Health System of China,No.2013-3-050(to JZY)
文摘Current animal models of nerve root compression due to lumbar disc herniation only assess the mechanical compression of nerve roots and the inflammatory response. Moreover, the pressure applied in these models is static, meaning that the nerve root cannot be dynamically compressed. This is very different from the pathogenesis of lumbar disc herniation. In this study, a chitosan/polyacrylamide double-network hydrogel was prepared by a simple two-step method. The swelling ratio of the double-network hydrogel increased with prolonged time, reaching 140. The compressive strength and compressive modulus of the hydrogel reached 53.6 and 0.34 MPa, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the hydrogel's crosslinked structure with many interconnecting pores. An MTT assay demonstrated that the number of viable cells in contact with the hydrogel extracts did not significantly change relative to the control surface. Thus, the hydrogel had good biocompatibility. Finally, the double-network hydrogel was used to compress the L4 nerve root of male sand rats to simulate lumbar disc herniation nerve root compression. The hydrogel remained in its original position after compression, and swelled with increasing time. Edema appeared around the nerve root and disappeared 3 weeks after operation. This chitosan/polyacrylamide double-network hydrogel has potential as a new implant material for animal models of lumbar nerve root compression. All animal experiments were approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of Neurosurgical Institute of Beijing, Capital Medical University, China(approval No. 201601006) on July 29, 2016.
文摘A nerve stimulation-guided lumbar plexus block is a well-established technique.It is not clear whether ultrasound guidance has additional value for this deep block technique.This study aimed to examine whether ultrasound guidance using a paramedian transverse scan through the intertransverse space(PMTS-ITS)approach in combination with nerve stimulation reduces the onset time of a complete sensory block.Forty-four patients who were scheduled to undergo arthroscopic knee surgery with an ultrasound visibility score(UVS)of≥10 for the lumbar plexus were enrolled and randomly allocated to the ultrasound guidance with nerve stimulation group(group U-N)or nerve stimulation group(group N)in this prospective,randomized,parallel-group,active-controlled study.The primary outcome was the onset time of a complete sensory block.The results showed that the onset time of a complete sensory block to pinprick and cold was 10(10–40)min and 10(10–40)min in group U-N,respectively,and 30(10–40)min and 20(10–40)min in group N(P=0.005,P=0.004),respectively.The performance time was 658±87 s in group U-N and 528±97 s in group N(P<0.001).There was no(0%)patient who required 5 or more needle passes in group U-N and 6(27.3%)in group N(P=0.028).The block failure rate was 9.1%in group U-N and 31.8%in group N(P>0.05).In conclusion,ultrasound guidance using the PMTS-ITS approach in combination with nerve stimulation led to a faster onset of a complete sensory block than nerve stimulation alone for a lumbar plexus block in patients with a UVS≥10.Ultrasound guidance with nerve stimulation significantly decreased the number of patients who required 5 or more needle passes.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of Hainan Province,No.30318
文摘BACKGROUND： Computed Tomography （CT） and Magnetic Resonance Imaging （MRI） can display the site of lumbar spinal stenosis and predict nervous compression at the morphological level; however, pure morphological changes cannot reflect functional alterations in a compressed nerve root. Dermatomal somatosensory evoked potential （DSEP） provides a means to assess the functional state of a nerve root. OBJECTIVE： To evaluate the clinical significance of DSEP, assessing the degree of nerve root injury following lumbar spinal stenosis. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A case-control study was performed in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hainan People＇s Hospital, China, between September 2004 and December 2007. PARTICIPANTS： Forty-seven patients diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis by CT or MRI were selected as the case group; fifty healthy subjects were collected as the control group. METHODS： A KEYPOINT myoelectric evoked potential apparatus （DANTEC Company, Denmark） was used to measure DSEP, and stimulative spots were determined in accordance with the skin key sensory spot standards established by The American Spinal Injury Association： L4 in the medial malleolus, L5 in the third metatarsophalangeal joint of the dorsum of foot and S1 in the lateral heel. The needle electrode used as the recording electrode was located at the Cz point of the cranium, and the reference electrode at the Fz point. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Latency of the P40 peak of DSEP, P1-N1 amplitude, P40 waveform and differentiation and disappearance of various waves. RESULTS： The sensitivity and diagnostic concurrence with surgery of nerve root injury following lumbar spinal stenosis evaluated by DSEP was 95.7 %. P40 latencies at L4, L5 and S1 in the case group were significantly longer than in the control group （P 〈 0.05）, and the P1-N1 amplitude in the case group was significantly lower than the control group （P 〈 0.05-0.01）. Nerve root injury was categorized according to DSEP latency as follows： severe damage （disappearance of the P40 wave in 103 dermatomes）, moderate damage （prolongation of the P40 peak latency ≥ 3.0 times the standard deviation of the normal mean in 60 dermatomes） and mild damage （prolongation of the P40 peak latency ≥ 2.5 times the standard deviation of the normal mean in 31 dermatomes）. CONCLUSION： DSEP can be used to determine the severity of nerve root injury following lumbar spinal stenosis with high sensitivity and specificity.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81171812,81272105 and 81671924
文摘Local sympathetic denervation by surgical sympathectomy is used in the treatment of lower limb ulcers and ischemia,but the restoration of cutaneous sympathetic nerve functions is less clear.This study aims to explore the recovery of cutaneous sympathetic functions after bilateral L2-4 sympathectomy.The skin temperature of the left feet,using a point monitoring thermometer,increased intraoperatively after sympathectomy.The cytoplasm of sympathetic neurons contained tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamineβ-hydroxylase,visualized by immunofluorescence,indicated the accuracy of sympathectomy.Iodine starch test results suggested that the sweating function of the hind feet plantar skin decreased 2 and 7 weeks after lumbar sympathectomy but had recovered by 3 months.Immunofluorescence and western blot assay results revealed that norepinephrine and dopamineβ-hydroxylase expression in the skin from the sacrococcygeal region and hind feet decreased in the sympathectomized group at 2 weeks.Transmission electron microscopy results showed that perinuclear space and axon demyelination in sympathetic cells in the L5 sympathetic trunks were found in the sympathectomized group 3 months after sympathectomy.Although sympathetic denervation occurred in the sacrococcygeal region and hind feet skin 2 weeks after lumbar sympathectomy,the skin functions recovered gradually over 7 weeks to 3 months.In conclusion,sympathetic functional recovery may account for the recurrence of hyperhidrosis after sympathectomy and the normalization of sympathetic nerve trunks after incomplete injury.The recovery of sympathetic nerve function was slower in the limbs than in the torso after bilateral L（2-4） sympathectomy.
文摘Objective To investigate the distribution of sensory nerve terminals in the lumbar intervertebral disc and posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL) in an animal model. Methods Immunohistochemical method was used to visualize nerve terminals with antibodies of substance P(SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide(CGRP), and to characterize sensory nerve terminals on sections from lumbar intervertebral disc and posterior longitudinal ligament(PLL) of the Sprague Dawley rats.Results The immunostaining revealed an extensive distribution of SP and CGRP immunoreactive nerve fibers in the surface and most superficial portions of all annulus fibrosus and PLL. Most immunoreactions were observed in ventral and lateral regions of the annulus fibrosus. Morphologically, both thin varicose nerve fibers and tiny punctate nerve terminals could be observed. Conclusion This study demonstrates an extensive distribution of SP and CGRP immunoreactive nerve fibers throughout the PLL and the peripheral annulus fibrosus and provides an illustration of this distribution. This finding supports a role for the disc as a source of low back pain and provides the neuroanatomic foundation of the disc-genic pain.
文摘BACKGROUND Ewing’s sarcoma(ES)is a highly aggressive bone malignancy.Extraskeletal ES(EES)originating in the spinal canal is extremely rare.Herein,we report on a rare case of EES with a primary lumbar spinal nerve root including the complete diagnosis and treatment.CASE SUMMARY A young female patient presented with a complaint of right lower limb pain for 1 mo.Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)revealed an 11 mm×14 mm×31 mm mass in the lumbar epidural region extending at the fifth lumbar spine(L5)level toward the right L5 neural foramen.Our initial diagnosis was an epidural schwannoma.The patient underwent total laminectomy,tumor resection and pedicle screw internal fixation and the L5 root tumor was found to have been completely removed intraoperatively.Histopathological examination of the lesion showed a typical ES with a large number of small,round cells.Immunohistochemistry analysis indicated positive CD99 and S100.After surgery,the patient received chemotherapy and radiotherapy with a 1 year of follow-up and no recurrent tumors or new lesions were found upon spine MRI and positron emission tomography/computed tomography reexamination.CONCLUSION Clinically,ES outside the bone should be considered when nerve root tumors are encountered inside and outside the spinal canal and the diagnosis should be determined by pathological biopsy.After surgical resection,chemotherapy and radiotherapy should be performed.After treatment,active follow-up and regular review should be completed.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(81674005)Major Research Projects of Scientific and Technological Innovation Project of Chinese Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine(CI2021A0204)。
文摘Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Chinese medicine methods(acupuncture,tui na,acupuncture knife,traditional Chinese medicine,traction)combined with nerve block treatment for lumbar disc herniation using Bayesian mesh Meta-analysis.Methods:Randomized controlled studies of TCM methods combined with nerve block for lumbar disc herniation in CNKI,Wanfang,Vip,China Biomedical Literature Library,Pubmed,Web of science,and The Cochrance Library databases were searched for the period from the establishment of each database to May 2021.2 researchers independently followed the developed nerf criteria to Screening was performed.Bayesian model mesh Meta-analysis was performed using R,RStudio,and addis-1.16.6 software.Results:Twenty-seven papers with a total of 2074 subjects were finally included,involving six interventions,namely nerve block alone,herbal medicine combined with nerve block,acupuncture combined with nerve block,acupuncture combined with nerve block,traction combined with nerve block,and tui na combined with nerve block.The results of the net analysis showed that(1)in terms of efficiency,all interventions were better than simple nerve block except for traction combined nerve block,and acupuncture,acupuncture,tui-na and Chinese medicine combined nerve block were better than traction combined nerve block respectively,and the probability ranked first for acupuncture combined nerve block.(2)On the VAS score,except for traction combined with nerve block,other interventions were superior to simple nerve block,and the combination of herbal medicine,acupuncture,and acupuncture respectively was superior to traction combined with nerve block,and the intervention with the best probability ranking result was herbal medicine combined with nerve block.(3)There was no statistical difference between the two interventions compared in terms of JOA scores,and the probability ranked first for herbal medicine combined nerve block.Conclusion:Chinese medicine combined nerve block was superior to nerve block alone,and Chinese medicine combined nerve block and acupuncture combined nerve block measures were more effective in the treatment of LDH,and traction combined nerve block was less effective.
文摘Objective: To observe the clinical effect of modified akupotomye closed lysis under CT guidance on compression of posterior lumbar nerve branch.Methods: Patients were diagnosed by HRCT 3-D reconstruction combined with clinical symptoms and signs.After HRCT three-dimensional reconstruction combined with clinical symptoms and signs, the patients were confirmed as posterior lumbar nerve compression.After CT accurate surface positioning, CT-guided modified akupotomye was used for closed lysis of the posterior lumbar nerve branch.Oswestry Dysfunction Index Questionnaire(ODI) was used for quantitative scoring, 7 days before and after treatment and 6 months after treatment.Results: In 62 cases, 20 cases were cured, with 25 cases markedly effective, 11 cases effective, and 36 cases ineffective.The total effective rate was 90.3%.ODI score: Self-paired t test 7 days before after treatment, P < 0.01;Before treatment and 6 months after treatment, self-paired t test(P < 0.01);Self-paired t-test was performed 7 days after treatment and 6 months after treatment(P > 0.05).Conclusion: With CT precise positioning, the modified akupotomye can be used to do closed lysis, to relieve the adhesion and compression, so that the low back pain can be relieved, with good clinical.The akupotomye closed lysis, combined with modern imaging technology has not only achieved good clinical effect, but also can improve the accuracy, safety and scientificity of akupotomye treatment.
文摘Objective: To study the difference of nerve conduction and injury degree in patients with lumbar disc herniation after microendoscopic discectomy and fenestration discectomy. Methods: Patients with single-segment lumbar disc herniation who were treated in Dazhou Central Hospital between May 2014 and February 2017 were selected as the research subjects, the history data were reviewed and the operation methods were referred to divide them into FD group and MED group who received fenestration discectomy and microendoscopic discectomy respectively. The conduction velocity of common peroneal nerve and tibial nerve were detected before operation and 4 weeks after operation;serum levels of nerve and muscle injury-related molecules as well as inflammation and stress-related molecules were detected before operation and 3 days after operation. Results: MNCV levels of common peroneal nerve and tibial nerve 4 weeks after operation as well as serum CRP, TNF-α, MDA and AOPP contents 3 d after operation of both groups of patients were significantly higher than those before operation, and the MNCV levels of common peroneal nerve and tibial nerve of MED group 4 weeks after operation were significantly higher than those of FD group while serum CRP, TNF-α, MDA and AOPP contents of MED group 3 d after operation were not significantly different from those of FD group;serum NSE, S100B, Tau, pNF-H, CPK, Myo and LDH contents of FD patients 3 d after operation were significantly higher than those before operation while serum NSE, S100B, Tau, pNF-H, CPK, Myo and LDH contents of MED group were not significantly different from those before operation. Conclusion: Microendoscopic discectomy for lumbar disc herniation can relieve the nerve and muscle injury, and is equivalent to fenestration discectomy in activating the systemic stress and inflammatory response.
文摘No reports have described experiments designed to determine the strength characteristics of spinal nerve roots and rami radiculares for the purpose of explaining the complexity of symptoms of medullary cone lesions and cauda equina syndrome. In this study, to explain the pathogenesis of cauda equina syndrome, monoaxial tensile tests were performed to determine the strength characteristics of spinal nerve roots and rami radiculares, and analysis was conducted to evaluate the stress-strain relationship and strength characteristics. Using the same tensile test device, the nerve root and ramus radiculares isolated from the spinal cords of pigs were subjected to the tensile test and stress relaxation test at load strain rates of 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 s-1 under identical settings. The tensile strength of the nerve root was not rate dependent, while the ramus radiculares tensile strength tended to decrease as the strain rate increased. These findings provide important insights into cauda equina symptoms, radiculopathy, and clinical symptoms of the medullary cone.
基金supported by grants from the Key Topics of China Traditional Chinese Medicine Scientific Research Project,General Logistics Department of Chinese PLA,No.10ZYZ125the Army Medical Science and Technology the125Scientific Research Projects,Chinese PLA,No.AKJ11J004
文摘Ninety-four patients with lumbar intervertebral disc herniation were enrolled in this study. Of these, 48 were treated with Feng＇s Spinal Manipulation, hot fomentation, and bed rest （treatment group）. The remaining 46 patients were treated with hot fomentation and bed rest only （control group）. After 3 weeks of treatment, clinical parameters including the angle of straight-leg raising, visual analogue scale pain score, and Japanese Orthopaedic Association score for low back pain were improved. The treatment group had significantly better improvement in scores than the control group. Magnetic resonance myelography three-dimensional reconstruction imaging of the vertebral canal demonstrated that filling of the compressed nerve root sleeve with cerebrospinal fluid increased significantly in the treatment group. The diameter of the nerve root sleeve was significantly larger in the treatment group than in the control group. However, the sagittal diameter index of the herniated nucleus pulposus and the angle between the nerve root sleeve and the thecal sac did not change significantly in either the treatment or control groups. The effectiveness of Feng＇s Spinal Manipulation for the treatment of symptoms associated with lumbar intervertebral disc herniation may be attributable to the relief of nerve root compression, without affecting the herniated nucleus pulposus or changing the morphology or position of the nerve root.
基金the Natural Science Foundation of Hainan Province, No. 30318
文摘BACKGROUND： It has been reported that dermatomal somatosensory evoked potential （DSEP） can be used for diagnosing nerve root injury in patients with lumbar disc herniation （LDH）, and that 83% 95% of patients suffer from the disease. Body height correction is not performed prior to determinations of latency and latency difference between the healthy and affected sides. However, latency noticeably correlates to body height. OBJECTIVE： This study aims to determine the lumbosacral nerve root injury in patients with LDH by DSEP, and to evaluate the sensitivity of the DSEP difference between the healthy and affected sides using a diagnostic index following body height correction. DESIGN： A case-control observation. SETTING： Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hainan Provincial People＇s Hospital. PARTICIPANTS： Ninety-six patients, comprised of 67 males and 29 females, with an average age of 43 years and a mean body height of 1.65 m （range 1.48-1.81 m）, were recruited for this study. These patients suffered from unilateral lower limb radiation pain and received treatment at the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hainan Provincial People＇s Hospital between January 2004 and December 2006. All patients were confirmed to suffer from LDH at the L3-4, L-5, and/or Ls-SI by CT and/or MRI examinations. Central nervous system diseases were excluded. In order to obtain a normal reference value, DSEP was determined for a group of 50 subjects, who concurrently received health examinations in the same department. The subjects had no previous history of back leg pain or nervous system disease. The group of healthy controls included 26 males and 24 females, with an average age of 37 years and a mean body height of 1.63 m （range 1.50-1.80 m）. Written informed consent was obtained from all subjects for laboratory samples. The protocol was approved by the Hospital＇s Ethics Committees. DSEP was determined with myoelectricity-evoked potential equipment （Keypoint, Batch No. 9020A0042591, Dantec Company, Denmark）. METHODS： DSEP of patients with LDH was determined. Constant-voltage square pulse stimulation was used to determine DSEP, with the following parameters： a pulse wave width of 0.2 milliseconds; a saddle-like stimulating electrode; a stimulation intensity 3 times greater than the sensation threshold; a stimulation frequency of 1.5 Hz; mean superposition greater than 100 times; and inter-electrode impedance 〈 5 k Q. The stimulation point was a skin key sensation point confirmed by the American Spinal Injury Association, i.e. L4 at medial malleolus, L5 at the third metatarsophalangeal joint on the dorsum of the foot, and SI at the lateral heel. The recording electrode was a needle electrode, the recording point was Cz, and the reference electrode was Fz. DSEP latency of P40, and latency differences of P40, between the healthy side and the affected side, were determined. DSEP at L4, L5, and S1 nerve roots of the lower limbs of 50 healthy controls were bilaterally determined. The normal values of P40 latency and P40 N50 amplitude were statistically obtained. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Determination of DSEP values. RESULTS： Ninety-six patients with LDH and fifty healthy controls participated in the final analysis. In the healthy controls, the amplitude of DSEP varied greatly, with a mean amplitude co-efficient of variation of 58% for L4, L5, and SI dermatomes. P40 latency was stable, with a mean latency coefficient of variation of 4.7%. In patients with LDH, the P40 wave disappeared. P40 latency was 2.5 times prolonged compared to normal mean value. P40 latency difference between the healthy and the affected side was 2.5 times higher than the normal mean value of the healthy side. CONCLUSION： DSEP can reflect the functional status of lumbosacral nerve root. P40 latency difference between the healthy side and the affected side is the most sensitive diagnosis index for patients with LDH suffering from unilateral lower limb radiation pain.
基金This study was reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee of the Tokat Gaziosmanpasa University Faculty of Medicine(No.19-KAEK-099).
文摘BACKGROUND Redundant nerve roots(RNRs)of the cauda equina are often a natural evolutionary part of lumbar spinal canal stenosis secondary to degenerative processes characterized by elongated,enlarged,and tortuous nerve roots in the superior and/or inferior of the stenotic segment.Although magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)findings have been defined more frequently in recent years,this condition has been relatively under-recognized in radiological practice.In this study,lumbar MRI findings of RNRs of the cauda equina were evaluated in spinal stenosis patients.AIM To evaluate RNRs of the cauda equina in spinal stenosis patients.METHODS One-hundred and thirty-one patients who underwent lumbar MRI and were found to have spinal stenosis between March 2010 and February 2019 were included in the study.On axial T2-weighted images(T2WI),the cross-sectional area(CSA)of the dural sac was measured at L2-3,L3-4,L4-5,and L5-S1 levels in the axial plane.CSA levels below 100 mm^2 were considered stenosis.Elongation,expansion,and tortuosity in cauda equina fibers in the superior and/or inferior of the stenotic segment were evaluated as RNRs.The patients were divided into two groups:Those with RNRs and those without RNRs.The CSA cut-off value resulting in RNRs of cauda equina was calculated.Relative length(RL)of RNRs was calculated by dividing the length of RNRs at mid-sagittal T2WI by the height of the vertebral body superior to the stenosis level.The associations of CSA leading to RNRs with RL,disc herniation type,and spondylolisthesis were evaluated.RESULTS Fifty-five patients(42%)with spinal stenosis had RNRs of the cauda equina.The average CSA was 40.99±12.76 mm^2 in patients with RNRs of the cauda equina and 66.83±19.32 mm^2 in patients without RNRs.A significant difference was found between the two groups for CSA values(P<0.001).Using a cut-off value of 55.22 mm^2 for RNRs of the cauda equina,sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive value(PPV),and negative predictive value(NPV)values of 96.4%,96.1%,89.4%,and 98.7%were obtained,respectively.RL was 3.39±1.31(range:0.93-6.01).When the extension of RNRs into the superior and/or inferior of the spinal canal stenosis level was evaluated,it was superior in 54.5%,both superior and inferior in 32.8%,and inferior in 12.7%.At stenosis levels leading to RNRs of the cauda equina,29 disc herniations with soft margins and 26 with sharp margins were detected.Disc herniation type and spondylolisthesis had no significant relationship with RL or CSA of the dural sac with stenotic levels(P>0.05).As the CSA of the dural sac decreased,the incidence of RNRs observed at the superior of the stenosis level increased(P<0.001).CONCLUSION RNRs of the cauda equina are frequently observed in patients with spinal stenosis.When the CSA of the dural sac is<55 mm^2,lumbar MRIs should be carefully examined for this condition.
文摘AIM: To study the anatomy(formation, course, relationships and branching pattern) of the obturator nerve in detail.METHODS: The study was based on 500 adult human formalin-embalmed cadavers, 342 males and 158 females. We studied the anatomical formation, course and relationships of the obturator nerve within the lesser pelvis before the obturator canal. Finally, the whole course of the obturator nerve was examined.RESULTS: We found numerous anatomical variations about the formation of the obturator nerve, its division into two main branches, its articular branches, its intrapelvic branches for the periosteum of the pubic bone, and also the number of its muscular divisions and its anatomical relationship to the obturator externus muscle and obturator artery. We found that fibers from the L3 and L4 spinal nerves are standard components of the obturator nerve. The main trunk of the obturator nerve divides into anterior and posterior branches, within the pelvis in 23.30%, within the obturator canal in 52.30% and extrapelvic in 24.35% of cases. The anterior branch of the obturator nerve supplies three muscular branches in 67.10%, two muscular branches in 28.94% and four muscular branches in 3.94% of the cases. The posterior branch of the obturator nerve supplies two muscular branches in 60.52%, three muscularbranches in 19.07%, one muscular branch in 14.47% and four muscular branches in 5.92% of cases.CONCLUSION: We present a gross anatomical study of the human obturator nerve based on a remarkably large number of cases as well as potential clinical applications of our findings.
文摘Objective: This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of PETD combined with nerve root water imaging of MRI for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation. Methods: A retrospective review was performed on 62 patients with lumbar disc herniation from March 2019 to March 2021. The study included an experimental group of 30 patients and a control group of 32 patients. The experimental group underwent PETD combined with nerve root water imaging of MRI, while the control group received traditional PETD treatment. The visual analogue scoring method (VAS score), and JOA lumbar spine function score before and after surgery were compared between the two groups, and efficacy was assessed and compared using the MacNab score. Results: The mean operation time was significantly reduced in the experimental group (56.43 ±10.40 minutes) compared to the control group (65.69 ±14.12 minutes). The VAS score was compared between the two groups with preoperative (p = 0.624), one month after surgery (p = 0.325), three months after surgery (p = 0.676), one year after surgery (p = 0.341);The JOA score was compared between the two groups with preoperative (p = 0.961), one month after the surgery (p = 0.266), three months after surgery (p = 0.185), one year after surgery (p = 0.870), they were no significant statistical difference;The efficacy evaluation of the last follow-up Macnab showed that all the 30 patients in the experimental group were excellent, 31 of 32 patients in the control group were excellent, 1 case was good;There was no statistical difference in the comparison between the two groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The study concludes that the combined approach of PETD with nerve root water imaging of MRI is a safe, effective, and more efficient alternative to conventional PETD for treating lumbar disc herniation.
文摘Objective To observe the changes of sciatic nerve conduction velocity （SNCV） and interleukin-1α （IL-1α）, phospholipase A2 （PLA2） and prostaglandin E2 （PGE2） in neucleus pulposus tissue in experimental rabbits with lumbar disc herniation （LDH） ; and discuss the mechanism of LDH treated with bloodletting on Wěizhōng （委中 BL40）. Methods 40 normal named control group, LDH model group, BL40 group New Zealand rabbits were randomized into 4 groups, and comparative point group. The experimental LDH model was prepared by the self-made LDH animal pathological modeling device. Bloodletting on BL40 or on comparative point was applied for 7 days. BL-410 physiological signal recorder was used to record SNCV. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） and radioimmunology methods were used to determine the contents of IL-1α and PLA2 in neucleus pulposus tissue and PGE2 in serum. Results In BL40 group, SNCV was significantly increased after treatment comparing with that before treatment （P〈0. 01 ）, and the difference in SNCV value before and after treatment was significantly bigger than that in model group and comparative point group （P〈0.05）. Bloodletting on BL40 reduced the contents of IL-1α and PLA2 in neucleus pulposus tissue and serum PGE2 in LDH rabbits, which indicated significant difference or very significant results in the comparison with model and comparative point groups （P〈0.01 or 0. 05）. Conclusion Bloodletting speeded up rapidly SNCV and reduced the contents of inflammatory factors, i.e. IL-1α, PLA2 and serum PGE2 in LDH rabbits, which indicated that alleviation of local inflammatory reaction is probably one of the mechanisms on LDH treated by bloodletting on BL40.
