Does surgical timing influence functional recovery after lumbar discectomy? A systematic review

Impact of Preoperative Symptom Duration on Patient-Reported Outcomes Following Cervical Disc Replacement for Cervical Radiculopathy

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective review of prospectively collected data.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the impact of preoperative symptom duration on postoperative functional outcomes after cervical disc replacement (CDR) for radiculopathy.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

CDR has emerged as a reliable and efficacious treatment option for degenerative cervical spine pathologies. The relationship between preoperative symptom duration and outcomes after CDR is not well established.

METHODS

Patients with radiculopathy without myelopathy who underwent primary 1- or 2-level CDRs were included and divided into shorter (<6 mo) and prolonged (≥6 mo) cohorts based on preoperative symptom duration. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) included neck disability index (NDI), visual analog scale (VAS) neck and arm. Changes in PROM scores and minimal clinically important difference (MCID) rates were calculated. Analyses were conducted on the early (within 3 mo) and late (6 mo-2 y) postoperative periods.

RESULTS

A total of 201 patients (43.6±8.7 y, 33.3% female) were included. In both early and late postoperative periods, the shorter preoperative symptom duration cohort experienced significantly greater change from preoperative PROM scores compared with the prolonged symptom duration cohort for NDI, VAS-Neck, and VAS-Arm. The shorter symptom duration cohort achieved MCID in the early postoperative period at a significantly higher rate for NDI (78.9% vs. 54.9%, P =0.001), VAS-Neck (87.0% vs. 56.0%, P <0.001), and VAS-Arm (90.5% vs. 70.7%, P =0.002). Prolonged preoperative symptom duration (≥6 mo) was identified as an independent risk factor for failure to achieve MCID at the latest timepoint for NDI (OR: 2.9, 95% CI: 1.2-6.9, P =0.016), VAS-Neck (OR: 9.8, 95% CI: 3.7-26.0, P <0.001), and VAS-Arm (OR: 7.5, 95% CI: 2.5-22.5, P <0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates improved patient-reported outcomes for those with shorter preoperative symptom duration undergoing CDR for radiculopathy, suggesting delayed surgical intervention may result in poorer outcomes and greater postoperative disability.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Lumbar Disc Herniation—the Significance of Symptom Duration for the Indication for Surgery

BACKGROUND

Lumbar disc surgery is among the more common spinal procedures. In this paper, we report the current treatment recommendations for patients with symptomatic disc herniation.

METHODS

This review is based on pertinent publications retrieved by a selective literature search in PubMed using the terms [timing] AND [lumbar disc herniation], supplemented by other relevant articles and guidelines.

RESULTS

Symptoms resolve in 60% to 80% of patients with herniated discs in 6-12 weeks, and in 80% to 90% over the long term (≥ 1 year). According to the guidelines, 6-12 weeks of conservative treatment are recommended in the absence of significant neu - rologic deficits. Early surgery is indicated in case of worsening pain or new onset of neurologic deficits. Lumbar disc herniation associated bladder or bowel dysfunction (cauda equina syndrome) is considered an absolute surgical emergency that requires immediate decompression (within 24 to 48 hours). Patients with severe motor deficits (MRC ≤ 3/5) benefit from early intervention and should be offered surgery within three days, if possible, for the best chance of recovery. The degree of weakness and the duration of symptoms have been identified as risk factors for incomplete recovery. Early surgery can be considered in patients with mild paresis (MRC 4/5) in case of functional impairment (e.g., quadriceps paresis).

CONCLUSION

Longer symptom duration and lower motor scores are associated with worse outcome and a lower chance of neurologic recovery. The recovery rate for motor deficits ranges from 33% to 75%, depending on the timing and modality of treatment as well as the motor score.

Role of surgery in primary lumbar disk herniation: WFNS spine committee recommendations

Objective

To provide the most up-to-date recommendations on the role of surgery in first-time lumbar disk herniations (LDH) in order to standardize surgical management.

Methods

We performed a literature search in PubMed, Scopus, and Embase from 2012 to 2022 using the following keywords: "lumbar disk herniation AND surgery". Our initial search yielded 2610 results, which were narrowed down to 283 papers after standardized screening critera were applied. The data from these 283 papers were presented and discussed at two international meetings of the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) Spine Committee, where the Delphi method was employed and ten spine experts voted on five final consensus statements.

Results

and Conclusions: The WFNS Spine Committee's guidelines cover four main topics: (1) role and timing of surgery in first-time LDH; (2) role of minimally invasive techniques in LDH; (3) extent of disk resection in LDH surgery; (4) role of lumbar fusion in the context of LDH. Surgery for LDH is recommended for failure of conservative treatment, cauda equina syndrome, and progressive neurological impairment, including severe motor deficits. In the latter cases, early surgery is associated with faster recovery and may improve patient outcomes. Minimally invasive techniques have short-term advantages over open procedures, but there is insufficient evidence to make a recommendation for or against the choice of a specific surgical procedure. Sequestrectomy and standard microdiscectomy demonstrated similar clinical results in terms of pain control, recurrence rate, functional outcome, and complications at short and medium-term follow-up. Lumbar fusion is not recommended as a routine treatment for first-time LDH, although it may be considered in specific patients affected by chronic axial pain or instability.

Predicting the Need for Surgery in Patients with Lumbar Disc Herniation: A New Internally Validated Scoring System

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective study.

PURPOSE

To propose a scoring system for predicting the need for surgery in patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH).

OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE

The indications for surgery in patients with LDH are well established. However, the exact timing of surgery is not. According to surgeons, patients with failed conservative treatment who underwent delayed surgery, often after 6 months postsymptom initiation, have poor functional recovery and outcome.

METHODS

The current study included patients with symptomatic LDH. Patients with an indication for emergent surgery such as profound or progressive motor deficit, cauda equina syndrome, and diagnoses other than single-level LDH were excluded from the analysis. All patients followed a conservative treatment regimen (a combination of physical therapy, pain medications, and/or spinal epidural steroid injections). Surgery was indicated for patients who continuously experienced pain despite maximal conservative therapy.

RESULTS

In total, 134 patients met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Among them, 108 (80.6%) responded to conservative management, and 26 (19.4%) underwent unilateral laminotomy and microdiscectomy. The symptom duration, disc degeneration grade on magnetic resonance imaging (Pfirrmann disc grade), herniated disc location and type, fragment size, and thecal sac diameter significantly differed between patients who responded to conservative treatment and those requiring surgery. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the scoring system based on the anteroposterior size of the herniated disc fragment and herniated disc location and type was 0.81.

CONCLUSIONS

A scoring system based on herniated disc/fragment size, location, and type can be applied to predict the need for surgery in patients with LDH. In the future, this tool can be used to prevent unnecessarily prolonged conservative management (>4-8 weeks).

Development and temporal validation of clinical prediction models for 1-year disability and pain after lumbar decompressive surgery. The Norwich Lumbar Surgery Predictor (development version)

PURPOSE

To identify clinical predictors and build prediction models for 1-year patient-reported outcomes measures (PROMs) after lumbar decompressive surgery for disc herniation or spinal stenosis.

METHODS

The study included 1835 cases, with or without additional single-level fusion, from a single centre from 2008 through 2020. General linear models imputed with 37 clinical variables identified 18 significant 1-year PROM predictors for retention in development models. Interaction of surgical indication with each predictor was tested. Temporal validation was conducted at the same centre on cases through 2021. R2 was used to measure goodness-of-fit, and area under curve (AUC) used to measure classification to a satisfactory symptom state (Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) ≤ 22; back or leg pain ≤ 30 out of 100).

RESULTS

A total 1228 (67%) had complete data for inclusion in model development. Predictors of ODI were baseline PROMs (ODI, back pain, leg pain), work status, condition duration, previous lumbar operation, multiple-joint osteoarthritis, female, diabetes, current smoker, rheumatic disorder, lower limb arthroplasty, mobility aided, provider status, facet cyst, scoliosis, and age, with BMI significantly associated with stenosis. Temporal validation (n = 188) found the ODI model R2 was 0.29 (95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.18-0.40) and AUC was 0.74 (95% CI 0.67-0.81). Back and leg pain models had lower R2 (0.12-0.14) and AUC (0.68-0.69) values.

CONCLUSION

Important PROM predictors are baseline PROMs, specific co-morbidities, work status, condition duration, previous lumbar operation, female, and smoking status. The ODI model predicted the likelihood of achieving a satisfactory state of both disability and pain.

The Impact of Preoperative Symptom Duration on Patient Outcomes After Posterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES

To determine if decreased preoperative symptom duration is associated with greater clinical improvement in function and myelopathic symptoms after posterior cervical decompression and fusion (PCDF).

METHODS

All patients over age 18 who underwent primary PCDF for cervical myelopathy or myeloradiculopathy at a single institution between 2014 and 2020 were retrospectively identified. Patient demographics, surgical characteristics, duration of symptoms, and preoperative and postoperative patient reported outcomes measures (PROMs) including modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA), Neck Disability Index (NDI), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) Neck, VAS Arm, and SF-12 were collected. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to compare change in PROMs and minimum clinically important difference achievement (%MCID) between symptom duration groups (< 6 months, 6 months-2 years, > 2 years).

RESULTS

Preoperative symptom duration groups differed significantly by sex and smoking status. Patients with < 6 months of preoperative symptoms improved significantly in all PROMs. Patients with 6 months-2 years of preoperative symptoms did not improve significantly in mJOA, Physical Component Scores (PCS), or NDI. Patients with > 2 years of symptoms failed to demonstrate significant improvement in mJOA, NDI, or Mental Component Scores (MCS). Univariate analysis demonstrated significantly decreased improvement in mJOA with longer symptom durations. Increased preoperative symptom duration trended toward decreased %MCID for mJOA and MCS. Regression analysis demonstrated that preoperative symptom duration of > 2 years relative to < 6 months predicted decreased improvement in mJOA and NDI and decreased MCID achievement for mJOA and MCS.

CONCLUSION

Increased duration of preoperative symptoms (> 2 years) before undergoing PCDF was associated with decreased postoperative improvement in myelopathic symptoms.

Impact of Preoperative Duration of Symptoms on Patient Satisfaction, Outcomes and Complications After Lumbar Discectomy: A Propensity-matched Comparison

STUDY DESIGN

Observational study.

OBJECTIVE

To identify associations between preoperative symptom duration and postoperative patient satisfaction.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Sciatica due to lumbar disk herniation (LDH) is a cause of disability and reduced quality life. Patients with severe pain and disability or were recovery is unacceptably slow, surgical intervention can be advised. For these patients, evidence-based recommendations on the timing of the surgical intervention needs to be established.

METHODS

All patients who underwent discectomy at a Spine Centre, due to radicular pain from June 2010 to May 2019 were included. Pre- and postoperative data including demographic data, smoking, consumption of pain medication, comorbidity, back and leg-pain, health-related quality of life as measured by EQ-5D, ODI, previous spine surgery, sick leave, and duration of back and leg-pain before surgery were utilized. The patients were divided into four groups based on their self-reported duration of leg-pain before surgery. To minimize baseline differences between the groups, propensity-score matching was employed in a 1:1 fashion, balancing the groups on all reported preoperative factors.

RESULTS

Of 1607 patients undergoing lumbar discectomy, four matched cohorts based on their self-reported duration of leg-pain before surgery were created. Each cohort consisted of 150 patients well balanced on preoperative factors. Overall 62.7% of the patients were satisfied with the surgical result ranging from 74.0% in the <3 months group to 48.7% in the >24 months group ( P <0.000). The portion of patients achieving a minimum clinically important difference for EQ-5D decreased from 77.4% with early intervention to 55.6% in the late group ( P <0.000). The number of surgical complications were not affected by the duration of preoperative leg-pain.

CONCLUSION

We found significant difference in patient satisfaction and health-related quality of life in patients related to the duration of preoperative leg-pain due to symptomatic LDH.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

Variability in recovery following microdiscectomy and postoperative physiotherapy for lumbar radiculopathy: A latent class trajectory analysis

OBJECTIVES

The clinical course of lumbar radiculopathy following microdiscectomy and post-operative physiotherapy varies substantially. No prior studies assessed this variability by deriving outcome trajectories. The primary aims of this study were to evaluate the variability in long-term recovery after lumbar microdiscectomy followed by post-operative physiotherapy and to identify outcome trajectories. The secondary aim was to assess whether demographic, clinical characteristics and patient-reported outcome measures routinely collected at baseline could predict poor outcome trajectories.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective cohort study with a 24-month follow-up. We included 479 patients with clinical signs and symptoms of lumbar radiculopathy confirmed by Magnetic Resonance Imaging findings, who underwent microdiscectomy and post-operative physiotherapy. Outcomes were leg pain and back pain measured with Visual Analogue Scales, and disability measured with the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were performed to present the average and the individual clinical course. A latent class trajectory analysis was conducted to identify leg pain, back pain, and disability outcome trajectories. The best number of clusters was determined using the Bayesian Information Criterion, Akaike's information criteria, entropy, and overall interpretability. Prediction models for poor outcome trajectories were assessed using multivariable logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

Several outcome trajectories were identified. Most patients were assigned to the 'large improvement' trajectory (leg pain: 79.3%; back pain: 70.2%; disability: 59.5% of patients). Smaller proportions of patients were assigned to the 'moderate improvement' trajectory (leg pain: 7.9%; back pain: 10.6%; disability: 20.7% of patients), the 'minimal improvement' trajectory (leg pain: 4.9%, back pain: 6.7%, disability: 16.3% of patients) and the 'relapse' trajectory (leg pain: 7.9%; back pain: 12.5%; disability: 3.5%). Approximately one-third of patients (32.6%) belonged to one or more than one poor outcome trajectory. Patients with previous treatment (prior back surgery, injection therapy, and medication use) and those who had higher baseline pain and disability scores were more likely to belong to the poor outcome trajectories in comparison to the large improvement trajectories in back pain, leg pain and disability, and the moderate improvement trajectory in disability. The explained variance (Nagelkerke R2) of the prediction models ranged from 0.06 to 0.13 and the discriminative ability (Area Under the Curve) from 0.66 to 0.73.

CONCLUSION

The clinical course of lumbar radiculopathy varied following microdiscectomy and post-operative physiotherapy, and several outcome trajectories could be identified. Although most patients were allocated to favorable trajectories, one in three patients was assigned to one or more poor outcome trajectories following microdiscectomy and post-operative physiotherapy for lumbar radiculopathy. Routinely gathered data were unable to predict the poor outcome trajectories accurately. Prior to surgery, clinicians should discuss the high variability and the distinctive subgroups that are present in the clinical course with their patients.

Disc degeneration could be recovered after chemonucleolysis with condoliase.-1 year clinical outcome of condoliase therapy

BACKGROUND

Condoliase-induced chemonucleolysis is a less-invasive alternative treatment for lumbar disc herniation (LDH); however, its long-term clinical outcome is still unclear. This study aimed to investigate 1-year clinical outcomes and assess radiographs after chemonucleolysis with condoliase.

METHODS

We enrolled patients with LDH who received condoliase injection with a follow-up period of >1 year. Sixty patients (37 men, 23 women; mean age, 44.5 ± 18.9 years; mean follow-up period, 22.0 ± 6.0 months) were analyzed. Changes in disc height and degeneration were evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging. Visual analog scale (VAS) scores for leg and back pain and the Oswestry disability index (ODI) were obtained. All data were assessed at baseline, 1-month, 3-month, and 1-year follow-up.

RESULTS

Surgical treatment was subsequently required in 8 patients (12.5%) after condoliase therapy. Their ODI and VAS scores for leg pain and back pain significantly improved at 1 year, as in those who received condoliase therapy only. On MRI, progression of Pfirrmann grade was observed in 23 patients (44.2%) at 3 months; however, 8 patients recovered to baseline at 1 year. The mean disc height decreased at 3 months; however, it recovered at 1 year. Disc height recovery (disc recovery rate >50%) was observed in 30.8% of the patients. Patients with disc height recovery were significantly younger than those without. Patients with longer symptom duration (≥1 year) showed significantly lower rates of effectiveness compared with those with shorter symptom durations (<1 year).

CONCLUSIONS

Chemonucleolysis with condoliase is a safe and minimally invasive treatment. Disc degeneration induced by chemonucleolysis could be recovered, particularly in younger patients. Prolonged symptom duration had adverse effects on outcome; thus, therapeutic intervention at the optimal time is needed.

The impact of case order and intraoperative staff changes on spine surgical efficiency

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Despite concerted efforts toward quality improvement in high-volume spine surgery, there remains concern that increases in case load may compromise the efficient and safe delivery of surgical care. There is a paucity of evidence to describe the effects of spine case order and operating room (OR) team structure on measures of intraoperative timing and OR efficiency.

PURPOSE

This study aims to determine if intraoperative staff changes and surgical case order independently predict extensions in intraoperative timing after spinal surgery for spondylotic diseases.

STUDY DESIGN/ SETTING

Retrospective cohort analysis PATIENT SAMPLE: All patients over age 18 who underwent primary or revision decompression and/or fusion for degenerative spinal diseases between 2017 to 2019 at a single academic institution were retrospectively identified. Exclusion criteria included absence of descriptive data and intraoperative timing parameters as well as surgery for traumatic injury, infection, and malignancy.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Intraoperative timing metrics including total theater time, wheels in to induction, induction start to cut, cut to close, and close to wheels out. Postoperative outcomes included length of hospital stay and 90-day hospital readmissions.

METHODS

Surgical case order and intraoperative changes in staff (circulator and surgical scrub nurse or technician) were determined. Patient demographics, surgical factors, intraoperative timing and postoperative outcomes were recorded. Extensions in each operative stage were determined as a ratio of the actual duration of the parameter divided by the predicted duration of the parameter. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to compare outcomes within case order and staff change groups.

RESULTS

A total of 1,108 patients met the inclusion criteria. First, second, and third start cases differed significantly in intraoperative extensions of total theater time, wheels in to induction, induction start to cut, cut to close, and close to wheels out. On regression, decreasing case order predicted extension in wheels in to induction time. Surgeries with intraoperative staff changes were associated with increases in total theater time, induction start to cut time, cut to close time, close to wheels out time, and length of hospital stay. Switch in primary circulator predicted extended theater time and cut to close time. Relief of primary circulator or scrub predicted extended total theater time, induction start to cut time, cut to close time, and close to wheels out time.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraoperative staff change in spine surgery independently predicted extended operative duration. However, higher case order was not significantly associated with procedural time.

Effect of Preoperative Parameters on Outcomes of Lumbar Microdiscectomy: A Retrospective Analysis

Objective  The objective of this study was to characterize the effect of preoperative variables on outcomes after minimally invasive lumbar microdiscectomy.

Materials and Methods  This study was done from January 2019 to May 2020. This included medical records of all patients who were diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation and treated surgically by microdiscectomy. The medical records of such patients from January 2016 to January 2018 were included in this study. Postoperative outcomes were analyzed by Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), visual analog scale (VAS) leg, and VAS back scores, that were noted at preoperative, immediate postoperative, 6 months postoperative, and 1 year after operation. Difference in each outcomes score was calculated postoperatively with respect to the preoperative readings. Minimal clinically important difference was further calculated for each outcome score.

Results  On analyzing the ODI, VAS leg, and VAS back scores across various age groups, genders, body mass indexes, addictions, comorbidities, preoperative epidural steroid injection and physiotherapy, and levels of disc herniation, and it was found that there was no statistically significant difference across these categories. However, the ODI scores (∼ ODI) at all time points showed greater difference in the younger age group, that is, 18 to 30 years, males, nonsmokers, those with symptom duration of less than 6 weeks, and with disc herniation at L3 to L4.

Conclusion  The findings of this study will help to properly counsel patients with regard to the factors mentioned above so as to set realistic expectations, to help improve the outcomes, and for appropriate surgical decision making, that is, at which point should a surgical intervention be made.

Use of Artificial Intelligence for the Development of Predictive Model to Help in Decision-Making for Patients with Degenerative Lumbar Spine Disease

Context  The aim of the study was to develop a prognostic model using artificial intelligence for patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery for degenerative spine disease for change in pain, functional status, and patient satisfaction based on preoperative variables included in following categories—sociodemographic, clinical, and radiological.

Methods and Materials  A prospective cohort of 180 patients with lumbar degenerative spine disease was included and divided into three classes of management—conservative, decompressive surgery, and decompression with fixation. Preoperative variables, change in outcome measures (visual analog scale—VAS, Modified Oswestry Disability Index—MODI, and Neurogenic Claudication Outcome Score—NCOS), and type of management were assessed using Machine Learning models. These were used for creating a predictive tool for deciding the type of management that a patient should undergo to achieve the best results. Multivariate logistic regression was also used to identify prognostic factors of significance.

Results  The area under the curve (AUC) was calculated from the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis to evaluate the discrimination capability of various machine learning models. Random Forest Classifier gave the best ROC-AUC score in all three classes (0.863 for VAS, 0.831 for MODI, and 0.869 for NCOS), and the macroaverage AUC score was found to be 0.842 suggesting moderate discriminatory power. A graphical user interface (GUI) tool was built using the machine learning algorithm thus defined to take input details of patients and predict change in outcome measures.

Conclusion  This study demonstrates that machine learning can be used as a tool to help tailor the decision-making process for a patient to achieve the best outcome. The GUI tool helps to incorporate the study results into active decision-making.

Issues of optimization of management of patients with discogenic lumbosacral radiculopathy

Background. Discogenic lumbosacral radiculopathy (DLSR) is less common than lumbar musculoskeletal pain, but more often accompanied by a long disabilities. To improve patient management with DLSR, the study of conservative and surgical management of patients in real clinical practice is required. Aim. Optimization of patient management aimed at surgical treatment. Materials and methods. Surgical treatment (microdiskectomy) due to the ineffectiveness of conservative DLSR was suffered by 90 patients (33 men, 57 women, average age 59.7812 years). The duration of the disease to operation ranged from 2 to 14 weeks and was an average of 63 weeks. The intensity of pain was evaluated on a visual analog scale (VAS), disability on Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and RolandMorris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) before the operation, after 10 days, 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery. Results. Patients were not informed about the favorable course of the DLSR, the possibilities of natural (without surgical intervention) of the regression of the disk hernia, as well as expediency to maintain all types of activity, avoid a long bed mode. After microdiskectomy after 10 days, significant reliable (p0.01) decrease in pain with 7 (95% confidence interval CI 78) to 4 (95% CI 34) points for VAS and reduction of disability with 13 (95% CI 1216) to 9 (95% CI 711) RMDQ points, from 63 (95% CI 6165) to 32 (95% CI 3034) % by ODI. After 1, 3 and 6 months, a further decrease in pain was observed [6 months to 3 (95% CI 23) points for VAS] and a decrease in disability [6 months to 5 (95% CI 47) points for RMDQ and up to 18 (95% CI 1719) % on ODI]. To reduce the intensity of pain 6 months after the operation, it was significantly (p0.05) influenced the initial intensity of pain according to VAS and conducting kinesitherapy after the operation. To reduce the disability in RMDQ after 6 months, the initial disability in RMDQ and the conduct of kinesitherapy after surgery was significantly (p0.05) influenced. Conclusion. Patients with DLSR should be informed about the favorable course of the disease, the possibilities of natural (without surgical intervention) of the regression of the disc hernia; after performing surgical treatment, it is advisable to the kinesitherapy, capable of improving the functional recovery of patients.

Clinical Trial Registry Use in Orthopaedic Surgery Systematic Reviews

BACKGROUND

Results from systematic reviews and meta-analyses, which have the highest level of evidence (Level I), often drive clinical decision-making and health policy. Often, unpublished trial data are omitted from systematic reviews, raising concerns about the extent of the reliability and validity of results that have been drawn from systematic reviews. We aimed to determine the extent to which systematic review authors include searches of clinical trial registries for unpublished data when conducting systematic reviews in orthopaedic surgery.

METHODS

Systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses were gathered from the top 5 orthopaedic surgery journals based on the h5-index from Google Scholar Metrics. Systematic reviews that had been published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, which requires the inclusion of a clinical trial registry search, served as controls. For the primary outcome, each systematic review from the top 5 orthopaedic journals was screened to determine whether the authors of each study searched for unpublished data in clinical trial registries. We then compared the rate of registry searches with those in the control group. For the secondary analysis, a search of ClinicalTrials.gov was performed for unpublished trial data for 100 randomized systematic reviews.

RESULTS

All 38 of the Cochrane systematic reviews (100%) included clinical trial registry searches, while the top 5 orthopaedic journals had only 31 of 480 studies (6.5%) that looked at clinical trial registries. The secondary analysis yielded 59 of 100 systematic review articles (59.0%) that could have included unpublished clinical trial data from ≥1 studies to their sample.

CONCLUSIONS

Systematic reviews that have been published in the top orthopaedic surgery journals seldom included a search for unpublished clinical trial data.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The exclusion of clinical trial registry searches potentially contributes to publication bias within the orthopaedic literature. Moving forward, systematic review authors should include clinical trial registry searches for unpublished clinical trial data to provide the most accurate representation of the available evidence for systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

Association of extended duration of sciatic leg pain with worse outcome after lumbar disc herniation surgery: a register study in 6216 patients

OBJECTIVE

Sciatica is the hallmark symptom of a lumbar disc herniation (LDH). Up to 90% of LDH patients recover within 12 weeks regardless of treatment. With continued deteriorating symptoms and low patient quality of life, most surgeons recommend surgical discectomy. However, there is not yet a clear consensus regarding the proper timing of surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate how the duration of preoperative leg pain (sciatic neuralgia) is associated with patient-reported levels of postoperative leg pain reduction and other patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in a prospectively collected data set from a large national cohort.

METHODS

All patients aged 18-65 years undergoing a lumbar discectomy during 2013-2016 and registered in Swespine (the Swedish national spine registry) with 1 year of postoperative follow-up data were included in the study (n = 6216). The patients were stratified into 4 groups according to preoperative pain duration: < 3, 3-12, 12-24, or > 24 months. Patient results assessed with the numeric rating scale (NRS) for leg pain (rated from 0 to 10), global assessment of leg pain, EQ-5D, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and patient satisfaction with the final surgical outcome were analyzed and compared with preoperative values and between groups.

RESULTS

A significant improvement was seen 1 year postoperatively regardless of preoperative pain duration (change in NRS score: mean -4.83, 95% CI -4.73 to -4.93 in the entire cohort). The largest decrease in leg pain NRS score (mean -5.59, 95% CI -5.85 to -5.33) was seen in the operated group with the shortest sciatica duration (< 3 months). The patients with a leg pain duration in excess of 12 months had a significantly higher risk of having unchanged radiating leg pain 1 year postoperatively compared with those with < 12-month leg pain duration at the time of surgery (OR 2.41, 95% CI 1.81-3.21, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with the shortest leg pain duration (< 3 months) reported superior outcomes in all measured parameters. More significantly, using a 12-month pain duration as a cutoff, patients who had a lumbar discectomy with a preoperative symptom duration < 12 months experienced a larger reduction in leg pain and were more satisfied with their surgical outcome and perception of postoperative leg pain than those with > 12 months of sciatic leg pain.

Time to Surgery Affects Return to Work Rates for Workers' Compensation Patients With Single-Level Lumbar Disk Herniation

The optimal timing of lumbar diskectomy in patients with lumbar disk herniation and radiculopathy has not been studied in the workers' compensation (WC) population. A total of 10,592 patients received lost-work compensation from the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation for a lumbar disk herniation between 2005 and 2012. The primary outcome was whether subjects return to work (RTW). To determine the impact time to surgery had on RTW status, the authors performed a multivariate logistic regression analysis. They compared other secondary outcomes using chi-square and t tests. The authors identified 1287 WC patients with single-level disk herniation and radiculopathy. Average time from injury to surgery was 364 days (range, 2-2710 days). The WC patients with shorter duration of radiculopathy before diskectomy had higher RTW rates; fewer physical therapy, chiropractic, and psychotherapy sessions; and fewer postoperative diagnoses of psychological illnesses (P<.05). A multivariate logistic regression model showed that time to surgery was an independent, negative predictor of RTW (odds ratio [OR], 0.97 per month; P<.01). Legal representation (OR, 0.56; P<.01), psychological comorbidity (OR, 0.32; P=.01), and mean household income (OR, 1.01 per $1000; P<.01) also significantly affected RTW status. These results confirm that the duration of radiculopathy due to single-level lumbar disk herniation has a predictive value for the WC population undergoing diskectomy. Within 12 weeks of injury, post-diskectomy patients do reasonably well, with 70.0% of subjects returning to work. [Orthopedics. 2021;44(1):e43-e49.].

Surgical outcomes of full endoscopic spinal surgery for lumbar disc herniation over a 10-year period: A retrospective study

Objective

Full endoscopic lumbar discectomy (FELD) for lumbar disc herniation (LDH) has become popular in recent years. Previous studies have proven the efficacy, but few have discussed the possible risk factors of poor outcome. In this study, we reviewed patients who underwent FELD at Changhua Christian Hospital in the past 10 years and sought to identify factors associated with poor surgical outcomes and re-operations.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed records from mid-2009 to mid-2018. Patients had undergone FELD and follow-up for ≥1 year were included. Factors included in the outcome evaluations were age, sex, surgical time, body mass index, surgical methods, disc herniation type, extension of herniation, degree of canal compromised, disc degenerative grade, smoking and alcohol use, surgical lumbar level, symptom duration, Oswestry low back disability index, and visual analog scale score. We had evolved from inside-out methods to outside-in methods after 2016, thus, we included this factor in the analysis. The primary outcomes of interest were poor/fair MacNab score and re-operation.

Results

From mid-2009 to mid-2018, 521 patients met our criteria and were analyzed. The median follow-up was 1685 days (range, 523–3923 days). Thirty-one (6.0%) patients had poor surgical outcomes (fair/poor MacNab score) and 45 (8.6%) patients required re-operation. Prolapsed herniated disc (P < 0.001), higher disc degenerative grade (P = 0.047), higher lumbar level (P = 0.026), longer preoperative symptoms (P < 0.001), and surgery before 2017 (outside-in technique, P = 0.020) were significant factors associated with poor outcomes in univariate analyses. In multivariate analyses, prolapsed herniated disc (P < 0.001), higher disc degenerative grade (P = 0.030), and higher lumbar level (P = 0.046) were statistically significant. The most common adverse symptom was numbness. Factors possibly associated with higher re-operation rate were older age (P = 0.045), alcohol use (P = 0.073) and higher lumbar level (P = 0.069). Only alcohol use showed statistically significant re-operation rates in multivariate analyses (P = 0.035).

Conclusions

For treating LDH by FELD, we concluded that prolapsed disc, higher disc degenerative grade, higher lumbar level, and longer preoperative symptom duration were possibly associated with unsatisfactory surgical outcomes (poor/fair MacNab score). The outside-in technique might be superior to the inside-out technique. Older age and alcohol use might be associated with a higher re-operation rate.

The Association of Preoperative Duration of Symptoms With Clinical Outcomes and Minimal Clinically Important Difference Following Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion

STUDY DESIGN

This was a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to examine whether the time duration from symptom onset to operative treatment is associated with postoperative clinical improvement after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

There is a paucity of literature regarding the influence of preoperative symptom duration on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) following ACDF.

METHODS

Patients who underwent primary, single-level ACDF were retrospectively reviewed and stratified according to preoperative symptom duration (<12 and ≥12 mo). Demographic and perioperative characteristics were compared using χ analysis and linear regression. Subgroup mean scores were compared and achievement of minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was assessed for the Neck Disability Index (NDI), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) neck pain, VAS arm pain, and 12-Item Short-Form Physical Component Score.

RESULTS

A total of 109 patients underwent primary, single-level ACDF: 68 had duration of symptoms (DOS) <12 months and 41 had a DOS ≥12 months. When comparing DOS subgroup preoperative PROs, there was no preoperative difference in NDI, VAS arm or neck pain, and 12-Item Short-Form Physical Component Score. In the postoperative period, there were no significant differences in the improvement of PROs throughout the 12-month timepoint. A significantly larger proportion of the <12 months DOS cohort achieved NDI MCID at the 3-month (66.1% vs. 43.8%, P=0.039) and 6-month (76.8% vs. 53.6%, P=0.030) postoperative period.

CONCLUSIONS

Among the patient subgroups with <12 and ≥12 months DOS, there were no statistically significant differences observed in any of the measured PRO means at any timepoint. When assessing MCID, however, patients with shorter DOS (<12 mo) were observed to attain NDI MCID at the 3- and 6-month timepoints more often than patients with DOS ≥12 months. Our findings suggest that delayed surgical intervention may impair functional recovery to MCID in patients with degenerative cervical disease.

Impact of preoperative weakness and duration of symptoms on health-related quality-of-life outcomes following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

The majority of patients with preoperative upper extremity weakness show improvements in motor function after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Although numerous studies have examined both the extent and time course to which motor function can be expected to improve, few have shown that these improvements in motor function translate to improved health related quality of life (HRQOL) outcomes.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of preoperative weakness and duration of symptoms on HRQOL outcomes in patients who underwent ACDF.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

PATIENT SAMPLE

Adult patients who underwent an ACDF procedure at an academic hospital from January 2015 to December 2016 by a fellowship-trained spine surgeon.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcomes of interest were HRQOL outcomes: Short Form-12 Physical/Mental Component Scores (SF-12 PCS/MCS), Neck Disability Index (NDI), and Visual Analog Scale Arm/Neck scores (VAS Arm/Neck).

METHODS

Patient demographics, surgical case characteristics, and motor strength exams were collected in patients who underwent ACDF over a 2-year period. Preoperative weakness was defined by a strength grade ≤3 (on a scale from 0 to 5) in at least one upper extremity muscle group. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to determine the effect of the preoperative weakness on HRQOL outcomes.

RESULTS

Of the 276 patients identified, 45 (16.3%) showed evidence of preoperative weakness, 44 (97.8%) of which showed subsequent postoperative motor improvements after ACDF. All patients reported significant improvements in all HRQOL outcome measures. Patients with preoperative weakness reported significantly worse preoperative VAS Arm (6.9 vs. 5.2; p=.01) and VAS Neck (6.1 vs. 4.8; p=.02) pain scores. Compared with patients without preoperative weakness, those with preoperative weakness reported significantly more improvement in NDI (β: -10.9; p=.001). Patients with symptoms greater than or equal to 12 months and preoperative weakness showed significantly less improvement in NDI (β: 14.8; p=.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with preoperative weakness generally exhibited worse pain and HRQOL measures preoperatively, and showed greater potential for improvement after ACDF. Patients with a shorter duration of preoperative weakness had greater potential for improvement in HRQOL measures after ACDF compared with those with longer duration of symptoms. ACDF is an effective procedure to improve strength and HRQOL measures across all patient groups under appropriate indications.

The Effect of Preoperative Symptom Duration on Postoperative Outcomes After Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective.

OBJECT

This study aims to examine whether the time spanning from symptom onset to surgical intervention has an effect on postoperative clinical improvement in patients undergoing minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS TLIF).

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Evidence is limited regarding the influence of preoperative symptom duration on patient-reported outcomes (PROs).

METHODS

Patients undergoing a primary, single-level minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion were retrospectively reviewed and stratified according to preoperative symptom duration (<12 mo and ≥12 mo). Differences in PROs, including Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), 12-Item Short-Form Physical Component Score (SF-12 PCS), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) back pain, and VAS leg pain, at each postoperative timepoint and were compared between duration of symptoms (DOS) cohorts using linear regression. Achievement of minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for PROs was compared using χ analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 248 patients were included: 96 had a DOS <12 months and 152 had a DOS >12 months. When comparing PROs preoperatively, the shorter DOS cohort had significantly worse ODI, VAS leg pain, and SF-12 PCS compared with patients with longer DOS. However, there was no preoperative difference in VAS back pain between cohorts. Postoperatively, there were no significant differences in improvement of PROs throughout the 12-month timepoint. The shorter DOS cohort had a comparable number of patients achieving MCID for ODI, VAS back pain, VAS leg pain, and SF-12 PCS relative to the longer DOS cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

In our study, patients with DOS <12 months exhibited significantly worse ODI and VAS leg pain scores at the time of surgery compared with patients with longer DOS. However, these patients demonstrated similar clinical improvement postoperatively regardless of preoperative symptom duration. These findings suggest that delayed surgical intervention may not lead to impaired functional recovery in patients with degenerative lumbar disease.

A multivariate prognostic model for pain and activity limitation in people undergoing lumbar discectomy

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify a multivariate predictive model for 6-month outcomes on overall pain, leg pain and activity limitation in patients undergoing lumbar discectomy. Identification of predictors of outcome for lumbar discectomy has the potential to assist identifying treatment targets, clinical decision making and disease understanding.Materials and methods: Prospective cohort design. Ninety-seven patients deemed by study surgeons to be suitable for lumbar discectomy completed a comprehensive clinical and radiological baseline assessment. At 6-months post surgery outcome measures of overall and leg pain (visual analogue scale) as well as activity limitation (Oswestry Disability Index) were completed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to determine the best multivariate predictive model of outcome.Results: In the multivariate model, presence of a compensation claim, longer duration of injury and presence of below knee pain and/or parasthesia were negative prognostic indicators for at least two of the outcomes. Peripheralization in response to mechanical loading strategies was a positive prognostic indicator for overall pain and leg pain. A range of other prognostic indicators for one outcome were also identified. The prognostic model explained up to 32% of the variance in outcome.Conclusions: An 11-factor prognostic model was identified from a range of clinically and radiologically assessed variables in accordance with a biopsychosocial model. The multivariate model has potential implications for researchers and practitioners in the field. Further high quality research is required to externally validate the prognostic model, evaluate effect of the identified prognostic factors on treatment effectiveness and explore potential mechanisms of effect.

Increasing reoperation rates and inferior outcome with prolonged symptom duration in lumbar disc herniation surgery - a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is associated with great morbidity and significant socioeconomic impact in many parts of the world. Studies have shown that most LDH can be treated effectively with nonoperative management. However, for some patients in whom pain and disability are unacceptable, surgical intervention provides effective clinical relief. Currently, there is little consensus in the medical community on the timing of surgery for patients suffering from radicular pain due to LDH. Multiple studies suggest that prolonged symptom duration adversely affects clinical outcome.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to evaluate if prolonged symptom duration is correlated with less favorable outcome following surgery for LDH.

STUDY DESIGN/SETTING

Consecutive series of patients from a single-center, multisurgeon, tertiary spine practice.

PATIENT SAMPLE

Consecutive series of patients who underwent surgery for LDH.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D), and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for back and leg pain (0-100).

METHODS

Patients with a first-episode LDH were included. Data were prospectively collected in DaneSpine, the Danish National Spine Registry. Subjects were divided into three groups based on their preoperative self-reported duration of leg pain: <3 months, 3 to 12 months, and >12 months. Associations between patient-reported outcomes (PROs), perioperative complications and duration of symptoms were evaluated. Statistical significance level was set at p value <.01.

RESULTS

There were 2,144 patients included in the study, with complete 1-year follow-up on 1,694 patients (79%) and a reoperation rate of 8.4%. Incidence of surgical complications, specifically dural tears, was higher with increasing duration of leg pain; however, this did not reach statistical significance (p=.039). Prolonged preoperative symptoms adversely influenced all PROs (EQ-5D, ODI, VAS) 1 year after surgery (p=.001). Furthermore, reoperation rates increased with longer duration of preoperative symptoms. A statistically significant trend (p=.008) of increasing incidence of reoperation was found with increasing length of symptom duration.

CONCLUSIONS

Delayed surgical intervention results in inferior outcomes and increased reoperation rates. Patients who had surgery within the first 3 months of leg pain achieved significantly better outcome 1 year after surgery when compared to the other groups.

TIME BEFORE SURGERY VS RECOVERY OF LUMBAR HERNIATION. CHILEAN REALITY IN THE PUBLIC HEALTH SYSTEM

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the influence between the time elapsed since the onset of symptoms and the surgery of lumbar HNP in the final functional recovery of the comprehensive treatment of patients. Methods: Retrospective descriptive study of cases of HNP treated by lumbar discectomy between 2009 and 2015 by the spine team of the Hospital San José, using SPSS (version 22 of IBM) for the statistical analysis. Results: Of 110 patients subject to surgery, 54 were recruited (22 women and 32 men), between 18 and 75 years old, with an average age of 43 years. Eighty percent of patients are active workers, 76% without comorbidities. The predominant level affected was L4/L5 with 52% of the cases. The mean progression time of the symptoms before the first consultation was 27 months, the waiting time between the consultation and the surgery was 5.6 months. Conclusions: Eighty-six percent of the patients -presented good results in VAS. The Oswestry questionnaire reached a positive result in 90%, a minimum disability in 40%, moderate in 50% and maximum in 10%. No statistical relationship was achieved between any of the evaluated variables and the outcome of the surgery. Level of Evidence IV; Therapeutic Study - Investigation of Treatment Results.

The Effect of Preoperative Symptom Duration on Postoperative Outcomes After a Tubular Lumbar Microdiscectomy

STUDY DESIGN

This is a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to characterize the effect of preoperative symptom duration on postoperative outcomes after minimally invasive lumbar microdiscectomy (MIS LD).

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

It is unknown whether extended nonoperative treatment before MIS LD has implications for long-term clinical outcomes even after surgery is performed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospectively maintained surgical registry of patients undergoing MIS LD by a single surgeon between 2013 and 2017 was reviewed. Preoperative symptom duration was dichotomized into 2 groups (≤6 and >6 mo). Only patients with full clinical data at 6 months postoperative follow-up were included in the study. Clinical outcomes were assessed at 6, 12 weeks, and 6 months after surgery. The number of patients obtaining a minimum clinically important difference was assessed. Groups were compared with the χ analysis and the student t tests for categorical and continuous data, respectively.

RESULTS

In total, 94 patients were identified. A total of 45 patients (47.9%) had symptom duration ≤6 months. No differences in baseline characteristics were found (P>0.05). Patients with shorter symptom duration had significantly greater improvement in Oswestry Disability Index scores at 6 weeks (P=0.004), 12 weeks (P=0.022), and 6 months (P=0.005). Patients with shorter duration of symptoms also obtained minimum clinically important difference for Oswestry Disability Index at a greater rate than those with longer duration of symptoms (P=0.015).

CONCLUSIONS

Although patients who underwent MIS LD within 6 months of symptom onset had similar baseline characteristics compared with patients who underwent surgery after 6 months of symptoms, the patients with longer preoperative symptom duration had worse functional outcomes at 6 months after surgery. These results suggest that earlier MIS lumbar microdiscectomy may provide a functional benefit for patients. Further studies should therefore evaluate the efficacy of nonoperative treatment in the setting of lumbar herniated nucleus pulposus, as prolonged conservative management may potentially impair functional recovery after surgery.

Physical prognostic factors predicting outcome following lumbar discectomy surgery: systematic review and narrative synthesis

BACKGROUND

Success rates for lumbar discectomy are estimated as 78-95% patients at 1-2 years post-surgery, supporting its effectiveness. However, ongoing pain and disability is an issue for some patients, and recurrence contributing to reoperation is reported. It is important to identify prognostic factors predicting outcome to inform decision-making for surgery and rehabilitation following surgery. The objective was to determine whether pre-operative physical factors are associated with post-operative outcomes in adult patients [≥16 years old] undergoing lumbar discectomy or microdiscectomy.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted according to a registered protocol [PROSPERO CRD42015024168]. Key electronic databases were searched [PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PEDro and ZETOC] using pre-defined terms [e.g. radicular pain] to 31/3/2017; with additional searching of journals, reference lists and unpublished literature. Prospective cohort studies with ≥1-year follow-up, evaluating candidate physical prognostic factors [e.g. leg pain intensity and straight leg raise test], in adult patients undergoing lumbar discectomy/microdiscectomy were included. Two reviewers independently searched information sources, evaluated studies for inclusion, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias [QUIPS]. GRADE determined the overall quality of evidence.

RESULTS

1189 title and abstracts and 45 full texts were assessed, to include 6 studies; 1 low and 5 high risk of bias. Meta-analysis was not possible [risk of bias, clinical heterogeneity]. A narrative synthesis was performed. There is low level evidence that higher severity of pre-operative leg pain predicts better Core Outcome Measures Index at 12 months and better post-operative leg pain at 2 and 7 years. There is very low level evidence that a lower pre-operative EQ-5D predicts better EQ-5D at 2 years. Low level evidence supports duration of leg pain pre-operatively not being associated with outcome, and very low-quality evidence supports other factors [pre-operative ODI, duration back pain, severity back pain, ipsilateral SLR and forward bend] not being associated with outcome [range of outcome measures used].

CONCLUSION

An adequately powered low risk of bias prospective observational study is required to further investigate candidate physical prognostic factors owing to existing low/very-low level of evidence.

Influence of timing of surgery on Cauda equina syndrome: Outcomes at a national spinal centre

PURPOSE

There is no doubt that the best outcome achieved in Cauda equina syndrome (CES) involves surgical decompression. The controversy regarding outcome lies with timing of surgery. This study reports outcomes on a large population based series. Timing of surgery, Cauda Equina syndrome classification based on British Association of Spine Surgeons (BASS) guidelines and co-morbid illness will be assessed to evaluate influence on outcome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of all patients surgically decompressed for CES between 01/01/2008 to 01/08/2014 was conducted. Patients with ongoing symptoms were followed up for a minimum of 2 years. Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) was classified according to the BASS criteria: CES suspicious (CESS), incomplete (CESI) and painless urinary retention (CESR). Time and symptom resolution were assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 136 patients were treated for CES; 69 CESR, 22 CESI and 45 CESS. There was no statistical difference in age, sex, smoking status and alcohol status with regards to timing of surgery. No correlation between increasing co-morbidity score and poor outcome was demonstrated in any subgroupAll CESR/I patients demonstrated some improvement in bowel and bladder dysfunction post-operatively. No significant difference in improved autonomic dysfunction was demonstrated in relation to timing of surgery. CES subclassification may predict outcome of non-autonomic symptoms. Statistically better outcomes were found in CESS groups with regards to post-operative lower back pain (P 0.049) and saddle paraesthesia (P 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Surgical Decompression for CES is an effective treatment that significantly improves patient symptoms including bowel and bladder dysfunction Early surgical decompression <24 h from symptom onset does not appear to significantly improve resolution of bowel or bladder dysfunction.

Relationship between size of disc and early postoperative outcomes after lumbar discectomy

BACKGROUND

Previous studies suggest that patients with larger disc herniations (greater than 6 mm) will have better outcomes following discectomy. This has not been validated in a large series of patients.

PURPOSE

We sought to empirically evaluate this relationship in a series of patients who had data collected prospectively as part of a randomized trial.

METHODS

This retrospective review included 63 consecutive adult patients who underwent a single-level, primary lumbar discectomy. Outcomes were VAS for leg and back pain and the modified oswestry disability index (MODI). Statistical tests were used to compare patients using different cutoffs of preoperative disc diameters and disc volume removed. Regression analysis was performed to determine if there was a relationship between outcomes and the measured parameters.

RESULTS

While patients who achieved substantial clinical benefit (SCB) for MODI had larger disc diameters, this relationship was not found for leg or back pain for any of the measured parameters. Using 5, 6, 7, or 8 mm as a cutoff for disc diameter demonstrated no differences. Regression analysis did not demonstrate a significant relationship between disc volume removed and final MODI scores.

CONCLUSION

While patients with larger disc herniations on average might have a greater likelihood of superior clinical outcomes, the previously suggested "6 mm rule" was not supported.

[Lumbar disc herniation: Natural history, role of physical examination, timing of surgery, treatment options and conflicts of interests]

INTRODUCTION

Indication for surgery in lumbar disc herniation (LDH) varies widely depending on the geographical area.

DEVELOPMENT

A literature review is presented on the natural history, role of physical examination, timing of surgery, evidence-based treatment, and conflicts of interests in LDH. Surgery is shown to provide significant faster relief of pain compared to conservative therapy, although the effect fades after a year. There is no treatment modality better than the rest in terms of pain control and neurological recovery, nor is there a surgical technique clearly superior to simple discectomy. The lack of sound scientific evidence on the surgical indication may contribute to its great geographical variability.

CONCLUSIONS

Since LDH has a favourable natural history, neuroimaging and surgery should not be considered until after a 6-week period. It is necessary to specify and respect the surgical indications for LDH, avoiding conflicts of interests.

Open discectomy vs microdiscectomy for lumbar disc herniation - a protocol for a pragmatic comparative effectiveness study

Introduction: 

Since the introduction of lumbar microdiscectomy in the 1970’s, many studies have attempted to compare the effectiveness of this method with that of standard open discectomy with conflicting results. This observational study is designed to compare the relative effectiveness of microdiscectomy (MD) with open discectomy (OD) for treating lumbar disc herniation, -within a large cohort, recruited from daily clinical practice.

Methods and analysis:  

This study will include patients registered in the Norwegian Registry for Spine Surgery (NORspine). This clinical registry collects prospective data, including preoperative and postoperative outcome measures as well as individual and demographic parameters. The primary outcome is change in Oswestry disability index between baseline and 12 months after surgery. Secondary outcome measures are improvement of leg pain and changes in health related quality of life measured by the Euro-Qol-5D between baseline and 12 months after surgery, complications to surgery, duration of surgical procedures and length of hospital stay.