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Wang H, Wang Y, Li Y, Wang C, Qie S. A diagnostic model of nerve root compression localization in lower lumbar disc herniation based on random forest algorithm and surface electromyography. Front Hum Neurosci 2023; 17:1176001. [PMID: 37469999 PMCID: PMC10353737 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1176001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to investigate the muscle activation of patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH) during walking by surface electromyography (SEMG) and establish a diagnostic model based on SEMG parameters using random forest (RF) algorithm for localization diagnosis of compressed nerve root in LDH patients. Methods Fifty-eight patients with LDH and thirty healthy subjects were recruited. The SEMG of tibialis anterior (TA) and lateral gastrocnemius (LG) were collected bilaterally during walking. The peak root mean square (RMS-peak), RMS-peak time, mean power frequency (MPF), and median frequency (MF) were analyzed. A diagnostic model based on SEMG parameters using RF algorithm was established to locate compressed nerve root, and repeated reservation experiments were conducted for verification. The study evaluated the diagnostic efficiency of the model using accuracy, precision, recall rate, F1-score, Kappa value, and area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results The results showed that delayed activation of TA and decreased activation of LG were observed in the L5 group, while decreased activation of LG and earlier activation of LG were observed in the S1 group. The RF model based on eight SEMG parameters showed an average accuracy of 84%, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.93. The RMS peak time of TA was identified as the most important SEMG parameter. Conclusion These findings suggest that the RF model can assist in the localization diagnosis of compressed nerve roots in LDH patients, and the SEMG parameters can provide further references for optimizing the diagnosis model in the future.
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Qie S, Li W, Li X, Chen X, Gong W, Xi J, Sun F, Yue S. Electromyography activities in patients with lower lumbar disc herniation. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil 2020; 33:589-596. [PMID: 31658036 PMCID: PMC7458508 DOI: 10.3233/bmr-181308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) can affect lower limb muscle function resulting in an abnormal gait. This study aims to use surface electromyography (SEMG) to evaluate patients with L4/L5 and L5/S1 LDH throughout muscle movement. METHODS Twenty L4/L5 LDH patients (L5 Group), twenty L5/S1 LDH patients (S1 Group), and twenty healthy controls (Healthy) were recruited for the study. SEMG of bilateral tibialis anterior (TA) and lateral gastrocnemius (LG) muscles of patients were recorded using the DELSYS Wireless EMG System (TrignoTM Wireless Systems, Delsys Inc., USA). Root-mean-square (RMS), mean power frequency (MPF), and median frequency (MF) were compared between bilateral limbs in each participant. RESULTS Reduced MPF and MF was found in TA measurements of the L5 Group and LG measurements of the S1 Group. The MPF and MF of the TA of symptomatic limbs of the L5 Group were reduced when compared to asymptomatic limbs (p= 0.006, p= 0.012, p< 0.05), and there were no significant differences in LG measurements (p> 0.05). The LG MPF and MF of the S1 Group in symptomatic limbs were reduced when compared to asymptomatic limbs (p= 0.006, p= 0.017, p< 0.05), and there were no significant differences in TA measurements (p> 0.05). Although there were no significant differences in RMS between bilateral limbs of the L5 and S1 Groups, we found some changes in RMS curves. First, compared to asymptomatic limbs of L4/L5LDH patients, β-peaks in the TA of symptomatic limbs appeared earlier. Second, two peaks in the LG of symptomatic limbs were found in L5/S1 LDH patients. CONCLUSION TA is affected in patients with LDH of L4/L5, and LG is affected in patients with LDH of L5/S1. As demonstrated, SEMG can identify LDH-related muscle dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyan Qie
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China,Department of Rehabilitation, Beijing Rehabilitation Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangrong Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, School Hospital of Peking University, Haidian District, Beijing, China
| | - Xuemei Chen
- Department of Health Management, Beijing Rehabilitation Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Weijun Gong
- Department of Neurological Rehabilitation, Beijing Rehabilitation Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jianing Xi
- Department of Neurological Rehabilitation, Beijing Rehabilitation Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Fenglong Sun
- Department of Orthopedics, Beijing Rehabilitation Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shouwei Yue
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China,Corresponding author: Shouwei Yue, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China. Tel.: +86 531 81309107; E-mail:
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Wu L, Gu Y, Gu Y, Wang Y, Lu X, Zhu C, Lu Z, Xu H. Diastasis recti abdominis in adult women based on abdominal computed tomography imaging: Prevalence, risk factors and its impact on life. J Clin Nurs 2020; 30:518-527. [PMID: 33207011 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.15568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES This study aimed to obtain the incidence of diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) and analyse possible risk factors in adult females. Moreover, the relationships between DRA and lower back pain, pelvic floor function and quality of life were also analysed. BACKGROUND Diastasis recti abdominis is a separation of the abdominal muscles at the linea alba. Currently, studies on the prevalence rates, risk factors and consequences of DRA are varied. In particular, reports on DRA among adult women are lacking. DESIGN A one-sample questionnaire study design is used following the STROBE checklist. METHODS The inter-rectus distance was measured by computed tomography in 644 women. Custom questionnaires, the Oswestry Disability Index, The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form and the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) were used to investigate personal information, the subjects' back pain, pelvic floor function and quality of life, respectively. RESULTS The incidence of DRA was 28.4%. Age, the number of pregnancies, BMI and diabetes were influencing factors for DRA. After age stratification, pregnancy and diabetes were found to be risk factors for DRA in young women, and obesity and diabetes were risk factors for DRA in older women. This study showed that the association between DRA and low back pain was highly significant. CONCLUSIONS Diastasis recti abdominis is common in adult women. Avoiding multiple pregnancies, preventing diabetes and controlling weight may prevent DRA, which may be beneficial for decreasing low back pain in women. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE The findings have important implications for the health of adult women which can provide the basis for appropriate nursing implementation for DRA patients. The application of specific prevention and intervention measures for the risk factors may reduce the severity of low back pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Wu
- School of Nursing, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Department of Nursing, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yechun Gu
- General Surgery Department, Wenzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yanlan Gu
- School of Nursing, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yawen Wang
- School of Nursing, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xueqin Lu
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Cong Zhu
- Department of Nursing, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zhongqiu Lu
- School of Nursing, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Department of Emergency, The First affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Hongbo Xu
- School of Nursing, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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Cruz-Montecinos C, Núñez-Cortés R, Guzmán-González B, Andersen LL, García-Massó X, Calatayud J. The Relevance of Dual Tasking for Improving Trunk Muscle Endurance After Back Surgery. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2020; 102:463-469. [PMID: 32888906 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2020.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of dual tasking on trunk muscle endurance in patients after lumbar diskectomy. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING Rehabilitation hospital setting. PARTICIPANTS Individuals (N=14) undergoing primary lumbar diskectomy. INTERVENTION Using a randomized design on 2 separate days, muscle endurance was evaluated during prone bridging and Biering-Sorensen tests. Each test was randomly performed under 2 cognitive conditions: single task without cognitive condition and self-regulated dual task (ie, mathematical task). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcomes were time to failure and pain assessed by the visual analog scale from 0 to 100 mm. The secondary outcomes were kinesiophobia assessed by the Tampa Scale and disability assessed by the Oswestry Disability Index. Associations were tested using a repeated measures analysis of variance with relevant interaction test. RESULTS A significant interaction between condition, endurance tests, and kinesiophobia (P=.005) was found. The post hoc comparison showed positive effects between cognitive conditions in both endurance tests (prone bridging test: mean difference, 15.7s; 95% confidence interval [CI], 7.5-24s; P=.001; Biering-Sorensen test: mean difference, 7.9s; 95% CI, 1.9-14s; P=.014). The linear regression analysis between the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia and the difference of time to failure between cognitive conditions showed a positive correlation only during the Biering-Sorensen test (r=0.80; P=.001). CONCLUSIONS A self-regulated dual task increases trunk muscle endurance in patients after lumbar diskectomy. The results suggest that the difference observed in time to failure between the single task and dual task is associated with fear avoidance, especially during back extension. This strategy seems especially relevant for patients with high levels of fear avoidance and may be used to improve trunk muscle endurance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Cruz-Montecinos
- Laboratory of Clinical Biomechanics, Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile; Laboratory of Biomechanics and Kinesiology, San José Hospital, Santiago, Chile
| | - Rodrigo Núñez-Cortés
- Laboratory of Clinical Biomechanics, Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile; Service of Physical Therapy, Hospital Clínico La Florida, Santiago, Chile
| | - Benjamín Guzmán-González
- Laboratory of Clinical Biomechanics, Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Lars L Andersen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Xavier García-Massó
- Department of Teaching of Musical, Visual and Corporal Expression, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain; Human Movement Analysis Group, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Joaquín Calatayud
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark; Exercise Intervention for Health Research Group, Department of Physiotherapy, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
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Ramos LAV, Callegari B, França FJR, Magalhães MO, Burke TN, Carvalho e Silva APDMC, Almeida GPL, Comachio J, Marques AP. Comparison Between Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and Stabilization Exercises in Fatigue and Transversus Abdominis Activation in Patients With Lumbar Disk Herniation: A Randomized Study. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2018; 41:323-331. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2017.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2016] [Revised: 09/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Early Impact of Postoperative Bracing on Pain and Quality of Life After Posterior Instrumented Fusion for Lumbar Degenerative Conditions: A Randomized Trial. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2018. [PMID: 28632643 DOI: 10.1097/brs.0000000000002292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN A randomized controlled trial. OBJECTIVE To investigate whether bracing after posterior spinal instrumented fusion (PSIF) can improve pain relief and quality of life (QoL) 6 weeks and 3 months postoperatively. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Braces are commonly prescribed after PSIF in patients with lumbar degenerative conditions with the aim of improving pain relief and QoL. However, there is a lack of evidence on the indication for postoperative bracing, as surgeons use braces mainly based on their experience and training. METHODS A randomized blinded and controlled trial of 43 patients with PSIF for lumbar degenerative conditions were recruited. The caregivers were blinded but not the orthotist in the present study. There were 25 patients in the brace group and 18 patients in the control group with similar baseline characteristics. All patients completed the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), the short form (SF)-12v2 General Health Survey and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for back pain preoperatively, at 6 weeks and 3 months follow-up. Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test and a level of significance of 0.05 were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS Both groups had comparable demographic characteristics, and preoperative SF-12v2, ODI, and VAS scores. The ODI, SF-12v2, and VAS for back pain were improved in comparison to preoperative scores. The improvement was significant at 3 months follow-up regarding ODI and VAS for both groups and significant only for the control group regarding SF-12v2 scores. The improvement in ODI, SF-12v2, and VAS was significantly greater for control group at 3 months postoperatively. Moreover, larger proportion of patients in the control group reached minimum clinically important difference as compared to brace group at 6 weeks and 3 months. CONCLUSION Postoperative bracing did not result in better improvement in QoL or pain relief up to 3 months after PSIF in patients with lumbar degenerative conditions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 1.
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Machado GC, Witzleb AJ, Fritsch C, Maher CG, Ferreira PH, Ferreira ML. Patients with sciatica still experience pain and disability 5 years after surgery: A systematic review with meta-analysis of cohort studies. Eur J Pain 2016; 20:1700-1709. [PMID: 27172245 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The clinical course of patients with sciatica is believed to be favourable, but there is conflicting evidence on the postoperative course of this condition. We aimed to investigate the clinical course of sciatica following surgery. DATABASES AND DATA TREATMENT An electronic search was conducted on MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL from inception to April 2015. We screened for prospective cohort studies investigating pain or disability outcomes for patients with sciatica treated surgically. Fractional polynomial regression analysis was used to generate pooled means and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of pain and disability up to 5 years after surgery. Estimates of pain and disability (converted to a 0-100 scale) were plotted over time, from inception to last available follow-up time. RESULTS Forty records (39 cohort studies) were included with a total of 13,883 patients with sciatica. Before surgery, the pooled mean leg pain score was 75.2 (95% CI 68.1-82.4) which reduced to 15.3 (95% CI 8.5-22.1) at 3 months. Patients were never fully recovered in the long-term and pain increased to 21.0 (95% CI 12.5-29.5) at 5 years. The pooled mean disability score before surgery was 55.1 (95% CI 52.3-58.0) and this decreased to 15.5 (95% CI 13.3-17.6) at 3 months, and further reduced to 13.1 (95% CI 10.6-15.5) at 5 years. CONCLUSIONS Although surgery is followed by a rapid decrease in pain and disability by 3 months, patients still experience mild to moderate pain and disability 5 years after surgery. WHAT DOES THIS REVIEW ADD?: This review provides a quantitative summary of the postoperative course of patients with sciatica. Patients with sciatica experienced a rapid reduction in pain and disability in the first 3 months, but still had mild to moderate symptoms 5 years after surgery. Although no significant differences were found, microdiscectomy showed larger improvements compared to other surgical techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- G C Machado
- The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - A J Witzleb
- The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - C Fritsch
- Department of Physiotherapy, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - C G Maher
- The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - P H Ferreira
- Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - M L Ferreira
- The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Institute of Bone and Joint Research, The Kolling Institute, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Are lumbar multifidus fatigue and transversus abdominis activation similar in patients with lumbar disc herniation and healthy controls? A case control study. EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2016; 25:1435-1442. [PMID: 26769037 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-015-4375-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2015] [Revised: 12/26/2015] [Accepted: 12/28/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aims of this study were to assess lumbar multifidus fatigue (LM) and transversus abdominis activation (TrA) in individuals with lumbar disc herniation associated with low back pain. METHODS Sixty individuals were divided into the lumbar herniation (LHG, n = 30) and control groups (CG, n = 30). Fatigue of the LM was assessed using surface electromyography during the Sorensen effort test, and activation of the TrA with a pressure biofeedback unit. Pain intensity was determined using a visual analog scale and the McGill pain questionnaire. The Oswestry disability questionnaire and the Borg scale for self-evaluating exertion were used to assess functional disability. RESULTS Fatigue was significantly more intense and the TrA activation was insufficient (p < 0.01) in individuals with disc herniation relative to the control group. The LHG had mild functional disability and moderate pain. There were differences in the initial exertion self-evaluation between groups, which were not observed in the final exertion evaluation. CONCLUSION Individuals with lumbar disc herniation associated with low back pain have increased fatigue of the LM and decreased activation of the TrA, when compared to the control group.
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Rushton A, Heneghan NR, Calvert M, Heap A, White L, Goodwin PC. Physiotherapy Post Lumbar Discectomy: Prospective Feasibility and Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0142013. [PMID: 26562660 PMCID: PMC4642943 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0142013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate: acceptability and feasibility of trial procedures; distribution of scores on the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ, planned primary outcome); and efficient working of trial components. DESIGN AND SETTING A feasibility and external pilot randomised controlled trial (ISRCTN33808269, assigned 10/12/2012) was conducted across 2 UK secondary care outpatient physiotherapy departments associated with regional spinal surgery centres. PARTICIPANTS Consecutive consenting patients aged >18 years; post primary, single level, lumbar discectomy. INTERVENTIONS Participants were randomised to either 1:1 physiotherapy outpatient management including patient leaflet, or patient leaflet alone. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Blinded assessments were made at 4 weeks post surgery (baseline) and 12 weeks post baseline (proposed primary end point). Secondary outcomes included: Global Perceived Effect, back/leg pain, straight leg raise, return to work/function, quality of life, fear avoidance, range of movement, medication, re-operation. RESULTS At discharge, 110 (44%) eligible patients gave consent to be contacted. 59 (54%) patients were recruited. Loss to follow up was 39% at 12 weeks, with one site contributing 83% losses. Mean (SD) RMDQ was 10.07 (5.58) leaflet and 10.52 (5.94) physiotherapy/leaflet at baseline; and 5.37 (4.91) leaflet and 5.53 (4.49) physiotherapy/leaflet at 12 weeks. 5.1% zero scores at 12 weeks illustrated no floor effect. Sensitivity to change was assessed at 12 weeks with mean (SD) change -4.53 (6.41), 95%CI -7.61 to -1.44 for leaflet; and -6.18 (5.59), 95%CI -9.01 to -3.30 for physiotherapy/leaflet. RMDQ mean difference (95%CI) between change from baseline to twelve weeks was 1.65(-2.46 to 5.75). Mean difference (95%CI) between groups at 12 weeks was -0.16 (-3.36 to 3.04). Participant adherence with treatment was good. No adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS Both interventions were acceptable, and it is promising that they both demonstrated a trend in reducing disability in this population. A randomised controlled trial, using a different trial design, is needed to ascertain the effectiveness of combining the interventions into a stepped care intervention and comparing to a no intervention arm. Findings will guide design changes for an adequately powered randomised controlled trial, using RMDQ as the primary outcome. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN registry 33808269.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Rushton
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola R Heneghan
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Melanie Calvert
- Primary Care Clinical Sciences, School of Health and Population Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Alison Heap
- Physiotherapy Department, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Louise White
- Physiotherapy Department, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Peter C Goodwin
- Health Professions Department (Physiotherapy), Manchester Metropolitan University, Birley Fields, Manchester, United Kingdom
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Thaler M, Lechner R, Foedinger B, Haid C, Kavakebi P, Galiano K, Obwegeser A. Driving reaction time before and after surgery for lumbar disc herniation in patients with radiculopathy. EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2012; 21:2259-64. [PMID: 22648392 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-012-2378-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2012] [Revised: 04/28/2012] [Accepted: 05/10/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Although patients scheduled to undergo lumbar disc surgery often ask when they are allowed to drive a motor vehicle again, there are no published recommendations on this subject. METHODS We conducted a prospective study in 46 consecutive patients (mean age 48.9 years) to determine driving reaction time (DRT) before and after surgery in patients with lumbar disc herniation. Of the patients 23 had left-side radiculopathy and 23 right-side radiculopathy. Driving reaction time as well as back and leg pain were evaluated preoperatively, on the day of discharge from hospital and at the 5-week follow-up examination (FU). 31 healthy subjects were tested as controls. RESULTS Significant improvement in DRT was seen for both patient samples (p < 0.05). For patients with a right-side radiculopathy preoperative DRT was 664 ms (median, IQR: 241), which was reduced to 605 ms (median, IQR: 189) immediately postoperatively and to 593 ms (median, IQR: 115) at FU. For patients with a left-side radiculopathy DRT was 675 ms (median, IQR: 247) preoperatively, 638 ms (median, IQR: 242) postoperatively and 619 ms (median, IQR: 162) at FU. Pain was moderately correlated to DRT. Control subjects had a driving reaction time of 487 (median, IQR: 116), which differed significantly from patients at all three testing times (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Our data indicate a positive effect of the surgery on driving ability. Therefore, we would suggest that for both patient samples it is safe to continue driving after hospital discharge. However, patients have to be informed about increased DRT caused by radiculopathy already before surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Thaler
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Innsbruck Medical University, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
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