Long-Term Results of Various Operations for Lumbar Disc Herniation: Analysis of over 39,000 Patients

Nociceptive, neuropathic, or nociplastic low back pain? The low back pain phenotyping (BACPAP) consortium's international and multidisciplinary consensus recommendations

The potential to classify low back pain as being characterised by dominant nociceptive, neuropathic, or nociplastic mechanisms is a clinically relevant issue. Preliminary evidence suggests that these low back pain phenotypes might respond differently to treatments; however, more research must be done before making specific recommendations. Accordingly, the low back pain phenotyping (BACPAP) consortium was established as a group of 36 clinicians and researchers from 13 countries (five continents) and 29 institutions, to apply a modified Nominal Group Technique methodology to develop international and multidisciplinary consensus recommendations to provide guidance for identifying the dominant pain phenotype in patients with low back pain, and potentially adapt pain management strategies. The BACPAP consortium's recommendations are also intended to provide direction for future clinical research by building on the established clinical criteria for neuropathic and nociplastic pain. The BACPAP consortium's consensus recommendations are a necessary early step in the process to determine if personalised pain medicine based on pain phenotypes is feasible for low back pain management. Therefore, these recommendations are not ready to be implemented in clinical practice until additional evidence is generated that is specific to these low back pain phenotypes.

Morphological changes after open lumbar microdiscectomy at 2-year follow-up

BACKGROUND

It is known that a possible decrease in disc height (DH) and foraminal size after open lumbar microdiscectomy (OLM) may cause pain in the long term. However, there is still insufficient information about the short- or long-term pathoanatomical and morphological effects of microdiscectomy. For example, the exact temporal course of the change in DH is not well known.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to examine morphological changes in DH and foramen dimensions after OLM.

METHODS

In patients who underwent OLM for single-level lumbar disc herniation, MRI scans were obtained before surgery, and at an average of two years after surgery. In addition to DH measurements, foraminal area (FA), foraminal height (FH), superior foraminal width (SFW), and inferior foraminal width (IFW), were measured bilaterally.

RESULTS

A postoperative increase in DH was observed at all vertebral levels, with an average of 5.5%. The mean right FHs were 15.3 mm and 15.7 mm before and after surgery, respectively (p= 0.062), while the left FHs were 14.8 mm and 15.8 mm before and after surgery (p= 0.271). The mean right SFW was 5.4 mm before surgery and 5.7 mm after surgery, while the mean right IFW ranged from 3.6 mm to 3.9 mm. The mean left SFW was 4.8 mm before surgery and 5.2 mm after surgery, while the mean left IFW ranged from 3.5 mm to 3.9 mm. Before surgery, the FAs were, on average, 77.1 mm2 and 75.6 mm2 on the right and left sides, respectively. At the 2-year follow-up, the mean FAs were 84.0 mm2 and 80.2 mm2 on the right and left sides, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Contrary to prevalent belief, in patients who underwent single-level unilateral OLM, we observed that there may be an increase rather than a decrease in DH or foramen size at the 2-year follow-up. Our findings need to be confirmed by studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-ups.

Effect of perioperative pain neuroscience education in people undergoing surgery for lumbar radiculopathy: a multicentre randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Perioperative education should be improved to decrease unfavourable outcomes after lumbar surgery. This trial aimed to compare effectiveness in terms of pain, quality of life, pain cognition, surgical experience, healthcare use, work resumption, and cost-effectiveness of perioperative pain neuroscience education (PPNE) vs traditional biomedical education (perioperative biomedical education [PBE]) in people undergoing surgery for lumbar radiculopathy.

METHODS

In this multicentre RCT (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02630732), patients undergoing surgery for lumbar radiculopathy in three Belgian hospitals were randomised to receive PPNE or PBE. Both groups received one preoperative and one postoperative one-to-one education session and a booklet (balanced interventions), with an essentially different content (PPNE: biopsychosocial; PBE: biomedical). Pain was the primary outcome (Visual Analogue Scales+quantitative sensory testing). Assessments were at 3 days, 6 weeks, and 6 and 12 months after surgery.

RESULTS

Between March 2016 and April 2020, participants were randomly assigned to PPNE (n=58) or PBE (n=62). At 12 months, PPNE did not lead to significantly better pain outcomes, but it did result in more favourable 36-item Short Form Health Survey physical component (additional increase: 46.94; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 14.16-79.73; medium effect), Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (additional decrease: 3.15; 95% CI: 0.25-6.04; small effect), and Pain Catastrophising Scale (additional decrease: 6.18; 95% CI: 1.97-10.39; medium effect) scores. Females of the PPNE group showed higher probability for work resumption (95% vs 60% in the PBE group). PPNE was cost-effective compared with PBE (incremental costs: €-2732; incremental quality-adjusted life years: 0.012).

CONCLUSIONS

Perioperative pain neuroscience education showed superior clinical and cost-effectiveness than perioperative biomedical education in people undergoing surgery for lumbar radiculopathy.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT02630732.

Spinal cord epidural stimulation for motor and autonomic function recovery after chronic spinal cord injury: A case series and technical note

Background:

Traumatic spinal cord injury (tSCI) is a debilitating condition, leading to chronic morbidity and mortality. In recent peer-reviewed studies, spinal cord epidural stimulation (scES) enabled voluntary movement and return of over-ground walking in a small number of patients with motor complete SCI. Using the most extensive case series (n = 25) for chronic SCI, the present report describes our motor and cardiovascular and functional outcomes, surgical and training complication rates, quality of life (QOL) improvements, and patient satisfaction results after scES.

Methods:

This prospective study occurred at the University of Louisville from 2009 to 2020. scES interventions began 2–3 weeks after surgical implantation of the scES device. Perioperative complications were recorded as well as long-term complications during training and device related events. QOL outcomes and patient satisfaction were evaluated using the impairment domains model and a global patient satisfaction scale, respectively.

Results:

Twenty-five patients (80% male, mean age of 30.9 ± 9.4 years) with chronic motor complete tSCI underwent scES using an epidural paddle electrode and internal pulse generator. The interval from SCI to scES implantation was 5.9 ± 3.4 years. Two participants (8%) developed infections, and three additional patients required washouts (12%). All participants achieved voluntary movement after implantation. A total of 17 research participants (85%) reported that the procedure either met (n = 9) or exceeded (n = 8) their expectations, and 100% would undergo the operation again.

Conclusion:

scES in this series was safe and achieved numerous benefits on motor and cardiovascular regulation and improved patient-reported QOL in multiple domains, with a high degree of patient satisfaction. The multiple previously unreported benefits beyond improvements in motor function render scES a promising option for improving QOL after motor complete SCI. Further studies may quantify these other benefits and clarify scES’s role in SCI patients.

Lumbar spine intervertebral disc desiccation is associated with medical comorbidities linked to systemic inflammation

INTRODUCTION

Symptomatic disc degeneration is a common cause of low back pain. Recently, the prevalence of low back pain has swiftly risen leading to increased patient disability and loss of work. The increase in back pain also coincides with a rapid rise in patient medical comorbidities. However, a comprehensive study evaluating a link between patient's medical comorbidities and their influence on lumbar intervertebral disc morphology is lacking in the literature.

METHODS

Electronic medical records (EMR) were retrospectively reviewed to determine patient-specific medical characteristics. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was evaluated for lumbar spine intervertebral disc desiccation and height loss according to the Griffith-modified Pfirrmann grading system. Bivariate and multivariable linear regression analyses assessed strength of associations between patient characteristics and lumbar spine Pfirrmann grade severity (Pfirrmann grade of the most affected lumbar spine intervertebral disc) and cumulative grades (summed Pfirrmann grades for all lumbar spine intervertebral discs).

RESULTS

In total, 605 patients (304 diabetics and 301 non-diabetics) met inclusion criteria. Bivariate analysis identified older age, diabetes, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), peripheral vascular disease, and hypothyroidism as being strongly associated with an increasing cumulative Pfirrmann grades. Multivariable models similarly found an association linking increased cumulative Pfirrmann grades with diabetes, hypothyroidism, and hypertension, while additionally identifying non-white race, heart disease, and previous lumbar surgery. Chronic pain, depression, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) were associated with increased Pfirrmann grades at the most affected level without an increase in cumulative Pfirrmann scores. Glucose control was not associated with increasing severity or cumulative Pfirrmann scores.

CONCLUSION

These findings provide specific targets for future studies to elucidate key mechanisms by which patient-specific medical characteristics contribute to the development and progression of lumbar spine disc desiccation and height loss.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III (retrospective cohort).

Experimental Pain Measurements Do Not Relate to Pain Intensity and Pain Cognitions in People Scheduled for Surgery for Lumbar Radiculopathy

OBJECTIVE

The present cross-sectional study aims to unravel associations of pain intensity and cognitions with quantitative sensory testing in people scheduled for surgery for lumbar radiculopathy. Additionally, insight will be provided into the presence of dysfunctional nociceptive processing and maladaptive pain cognitions in this population.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Data from three hospitals in Belgium.

SUBJECTS

The final sample comprised 120 participants with lumbar radiculopathy scheduled for surgery, included between March 2016 and April 2019.

METHODS

Self-reported pain intensity was assessed on a visual analog scale, and pain cognitions were assessed with self-reported questionnaires (Pain Catastrophizing Scale, Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, and Pain Vigilance and Awareness Questionnaire). Quantitative sensory testing (detection thresholds, pain thresholds, temporal summation, and conditioned pain modulation) was evaluated, as well.

RESULTS

Evidence was found for the presence of an impaired inhibitory response to nociceptive stimuli and maladaptive pain cognitions in this population. Kinesiophobia was found to be present to a maladaptive degree in the majority of the patients (n = 106 [88%]). Significant, but weak, associations between electrical pain thresholds at the sural nerves and leg pain intensity (sural nerve symptomatic side: r = -0.23; P = 0.01; non-symptomatic side: r = -0.22; P = 0.02) and kinesiophobia levels (sural nerve non-symptomatic side: r = -0.26; P = 0.006) were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Electrical detection thresholds and correlates for endogenous nociceptive facilitation and inhibition were not found to be related to any of the pain cognitions or to pain intensity in people scheduled to undergo surgery for lumbar radiculopathy.

Exploring Associations between Healthcare Use and Demographics, Pain and Pain Cognitions in People Scheduled for Surgery for Lumbar Radiculopathy: A Cross-Sectional Study

This cross-sectional study explored associations between demographics, pain intensity and cognitions on the one hand and healthcare use (HCU) on the other hand in people undergoing surgery for lumbar radiculopathy. HCU during the 2 months preceding surgery was evaluated using a retrospective questionnaire. Demographics included sex, age and level of education and equivalent income. Back and leg pain intensity were evaluated using a visual analogue scale. Pain cognitions were assessed with the Tampa scale of kinesiophobia, the pain catastrophizing scale and the pain vigilance and awareness questionnaire. The sample comprised 120 participants (52% males; 49 years (Quartile (Q)1-Q3: 37.3-57.43)). The number of visits to the general practitioner was associated with sex (incidence rate ratio (IRR) for males = 0.811; p = 0.050), pain catastrophizing (IRR = 1.010; p = 0.041), pain magnification (IRR = 1.058; p = 0.004) and leg pain intensity (IRR = 1.004; p = 0.038). The number of neurosurgeon visits was associated with level of education (IRR moderate education = 1.518; p = 0.016 (reference: low education)). Receiving zero physiotherapy visits was associated with higher back pain intensity (Beta = 0.018; p = 0.028). Highest level of analgesics used was associated with sex (IRR for males = 0.502; p = 0.047) and leg pain (IRR = 1.014; p = 0.034). Only the association between general practitioner visits and pain magnification remained significant in multivariable analyses (IRR = 1.061; p = 0.033). The results suggest a rather indirect relationship between HCU and demographics, pain intensity and cognitions, involving a potential interplay between several patient- and healthcare system-related factors.

Impact of Active Physiotherapy Rehabilitation on Pain and Global and Functional Improvement 1-2 Months after Lumbar Disk Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction: Lumbar disc surgery is a common procedure for patients with lower back pain associated with lumbar disc herniation. This study aims to evaluate the impact of active physiotherapeutic rehabilitation on global/functional improvement and subjective pain score reduction among patients 1–2 months following lumbar disc surgery. The outcomes of this study are to assess the impact of active physiotherapeutic rehabilitation on functional improvement and subjective improvement in pain behavior post active rehabilitation. The outcomes are measured as pain assessed using the visual analog scale, global measurement of improvement, back pain functional status, and return to work. Methods: Databases, including MEDLINE/PubMed (10 June 1996, 2022), Web of Science (10 June 1997, 2022), Scopus (15 March, 10 June 2004, 2022), CINAHL Plus (10 June 1961, 2022), and Cochrane (10 June 1993, 2022) were reviewed without any language restrictions. All studies were systematically screened; however, only randomized controlled trials were eligible against the inclusion/exclusion criteria. All statistical tests were conducted in Review Manager (RevMan) 5.4. The quality of studies was appraised using the grading of recommendations assessment, development, and evaluation (GRADE) approach and the risk-of-bias 2 (RoB 2) tool. Results: Fifteen articles were identified, enrolling a total of 2188 patients, where the majority of active rehabilitation interventions continued for 3 months. All these interventions began 1–2 months postoperatively, and quantitative findings were presented as mean scores. The subjective pain scores were significantly lower in the interventional group, with a mean difference (MD) of −7.01 (p = 0.004). The pain disability score was considerably lower in the interventional group, with an MD of −3.94 (p = 0.002). Global improvement was higher in the interventional group (OR = 1.94, p = 0.0001). Conclusions: This study presents significant improvement in all parameters concerning pain and functionality. Postoperative rehabilitation requires optimization concerning timing, duration, intensity, and associated components to benefit patients post lumbar disc surgery.

Condoliase chemonucleolysis for lumbar disc herniation: A post-hoc follow-up study of patients in previous clinical trials

BACKGROUND

Chemonucleolysis with condoliase significantly improved clinical symptoms in patients with lumbar disc herniation. We evaluated the surgical intervention rate and outcomes for >1 year after condoliase treatment.

METHODS

This was a follow-up study of patients who received condoliase or placebo in two previous randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials with 1-year follow-ups. A post-treatment surgery survey and on-site examination were administered and patients' data from the clinical trial records and additional interview data were analyzed to evaluate the surgical intervention rate. Patients' lumbar disease symptoms, Oswestry Disability Index, and imaging features were evaluated.

RESULTS

Among the patients (condoliase, n = 228; placebo, n = 128) enrolled in the clinical trials, additional post-treatment surgery data were available for 231 patients after the clinical trials ended, and 179 patients underwent post-trial examinations, at least 5 years and 17 months after the end of the clinical trials. The surgical intervention rate in the placebo and condoliase groups was 20.7% (95% confidence interval: 14.2-29.7) and 13.4% (95% confidence interval: 8.8-20.2), respectively. The mean change in Oswestry Disability Index score from pre-injection in placebo and condoliase groups was -24.7 ± 15.0 and -32.7 ± 18.6 (between-group difference: -8.0 ± 17.3; 95% confidence interval: -13.2 to -2.7). Modic Type 2 changes were observed, particularly in the condoliase group. No relationship between lumbar disease symptoms and change in imaging features was found.

CONCLUSIONS

This follow-up study more than 1 year revealed no new safety concerns of condoliase. However, because the study had several limitations, such as large loss of follow-up, further research is needed.

Comparison of two endoscopic spine surgical techniques

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to compare the clinical outcome among patients who are surgically treated for lumbar disc herniation by transforaminal and interlaminar endoscopy techniques.

METHODS

For the treatment of lumbar disc herniation, 31 patients were assigned to undergo the interlaminar technique and 24 patients the transforaminal technique. They were evaluated using visual analog scale and Oswestry disability index in the preoperative period, in the first postoperative period, and in the 12th month after the procedure. The clinical results between the two techniques were then compared.

RESULTS

Overall, 89.1% of the patients obtained good results, with 12.5% complications in the transforaminal technique and 9.6% in the interlaminar technique.

CONCLUSION

Although both the endoscopic techniques, compared in this study, are safe and effective for the surgical treatment of lumbar herniated disc, the interlaminar technique presented significantly better results and lower rates of complications than the transforaminal technique.

Lumbar Disk Herniations and Radiculopathy in Athletes

Lumbar disk herniation is the most common surgical condition of the spine. High-level athletes participate in activities that place extreme loads on the intervertebral disks. These repetitive loads may lead to an elevated risk for degenerative disk disease, which in turn predisposes to disk herniations. Treatment algorithms for athletes with disk herniations are similar to those in the nonathletic population; however, success in the athletic population is often measured in the ability to return to play. Both nonoperative and operative treatment show a high success rate in return to play in athletes treated for disk herniations.

Surgical Start Time Is Not Predictive of Microdiscectomy Outcomes

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of clinical data from a single institution.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to assess the time of surgery as a possible predictor for outcomes, length of stay, and cost following microdiscectomy.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

The volume of microdiscectomy procedures has increased year over year, heightening interest in surgical outcomes. Previous investigations have demonstrated an association between time of procedures and clinical outcomes in various surgeries, however, no study has evaluated its influence on microdiscectomy.

METHODS

Demographic and outcome variables were collected from all patients that underwent a nonemergent microdiscectomy between 2008 and 2016. Patients were divided into 2 cohorts: those receiving surgery before 2 pm were assigned to the early group and those with procedures beginning after 2 pm were assigned to the late group. Outcomes and patient-level characteristics were compared using bivariate, multivariable logistic, and linear regression models. Adjusted length of stay and cost were coprimary outcomes. Secondary outcomes included operative complications, nonhome discharge, postoperative emergency department visits, or readmission rates.

RESULTS

Of the 1261 consecutive patients who met the inclusion criteria, 792 were assigned to the late group and 469 were assigned to the early group. There were no significant differences in demographics or baseline characteristics between the 2 cohorts. In the unadjusted analysis, mean length of stay was 1.80 (SD=1.82) days for the early group and 2.00 (SD=1.70) days for the late group (P=0.054). Mean direct cost for the early cohort was $5088 (SD=$4212) and $4986 (SD=$2988) for the late cohort (P=0.65). There was no difference in adjusted length of stay or direct cost. No statistically significant differences were found in operative complications, nonhome discharge, postoperative emergency department visits, or readmission rates between the 2 cohorts.

CONCLUSION

The study findings suggest that early compared with late surgery is not significantly predictive of surgical outcomes following microdiscectomy.

A Prospective Observational Study of Return to Work after Single Level Lumbar Discectomy

OBJECTIVE

Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a common disease, and lumbar discectomy (LD) is a common neurosurgical procedure. However, there is little previous data on return to work (RTW) after LD. This study investigated the period until the RTW after LD prospectively. Clinically, the pain state at the time of RTW also checked. RTW failure rate 6 months after surgery also investigated.

METHODS

Patients with daily/regular jobs undergoing LD between September 2014 and December 2018 were enrolled. Pain was assessed by the Oswestri Disability Index (ODI) and the Numeric Rate Scale (NRS). Employment type was divided into self-employed, regular and contracted. Monthly telephone interviews were conducted to check RTW status and self-estimated work capability after surgery.

RESULTS

Sixty-seven patients enrolled in this study. Three patients failed to RTW, and three others resigned within 6 months after surgery. The preoperative NRS and ODI were 7.2±1.2 and 22.1±7.9, respectively. The average time to RTW was 5.1±6.0 weeks. At RTW, NRS was 1.5±1.8 and ODI was 6.3±3.9. Amongst patients that successfully returned to work were 16 self-employed workers, 42 regular employees, and three contracted workers. The time to RTW of self-employed, regular, and contracted workers were 5.9±8.8, 4.2±4.3 and 13.3±2.3 weeks, respectively (p=0.011). Thirty-six of the patients that returned to work self-reported a 22.8±15.6% reduction in work capability at 6 months.

CONCLUSION

RTW may vary depending on the employment status. In this study, we found that while employment type may affect the length to RTW, most patients were able to RTW and >40% of patients reported no loss of work capabilities 6 months postoperatively, hopefully alleviating some patient hesitation towards LD.

Assessment and Post-Intervention Recovery After Surgery for Lumbar Disk Herniation Based on Objective Gait Metrics from Wearable Devices Using the Gait Posture Index

OBJECTIVE

Surgery for lumbar disk herniation (LDH) presents an option for patients when conservative measures fail. The objective of this clinical study is to investigate a novel, objective outcome measure in patients undergoing lumbar microdiscectomy.

METHODS

Twenty-four patients were evaluated pre- and postoperatively using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and a novel objective scoring tool, the Gait Posture index (GPi). The score is calculated from 4 key physical health metrics: daily step count, walking speed, step length, and walking posture. The GPi ranges from 0 (nonambulant) to 100 (excellent walking performance). Wearable accelerometers and observational recordings were used to evaluate the components of the GPi. The GPi was calculated and compared with the ODI, pre- and postintervention. The study was designed as a proof of concept and confirmation of validity for use of the GPi in LDH.

RESULTS

At follow-up (average 66 ± 36 days), 23 of 24 patients had an improvement in their GPi after surgery. The average GPi of the cohort improved from 59.33 ± 16.06 to 85.75 ± 9.22 with P < 0.001, with significant changes in all 4 components. The average preoperative ODI was 54.54 ± 20.70, improving to 16.33 ± 14.095 with P < 0.001. The Pearson correlation coefficient was r = 0.56, indicating a correlation between change in ODI and change in GPi.

CONCLUSIONS

The GPi score is a new, objective descriptor of mobility in spinal surgery which can be used to augment traditional subjective outcome scoring surveys such as the ODI. Significant changes are seen in the GPi and its constituent metrics in patients undergoing surgery for LDH.

Total Health Care Expenditure in Patients With a Herniated Lumbar Disk That Ultimately Require Surgery: A 3- and 6-month Cost Comparison of Maximum Nonoperative Treatment

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the cost of maximum nonoperative therapy (MNT) in patients diagnosed with a herniated lumbar disk undergoing primary (1-3 mo) versus prolonged (4-6 mo) conservative management before microdiscectomy.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Patients diagnosed with a herniated lumbar disk often attempt a 3-month trial of conservative management before microdiscectomy. A paucity of data exists characterizing the cost of a subsequent round of nonoperative therapies in patients who fail their initial trial, rather than undergo surgery.

METHODS

Clinical records from patients diagnosed with a herniated lumbar disk undergoing index microdiscectomy surgery from 2007 to 2017 were gathered from a large insurance database. Records were searchable by International Classification of Diseases diagnosis/procedure codes, Current Procedural Terminology codes, and generic drug codes. Two cohorts were established: patients undergoing primary (1-3 mo) versus prolonged (4-6 mo) courses of conservative management. Nonoperative therapy utilization was documented from initial herniation diagnosis to microdiscectomy surgery. "Utilization" encompassed cost billed to patients, prescriptions written, and quantity of units dispensed.

RESULTS

The 3-month MNT cohort included 4587 patients and the 6-month MNT cohort contained 1506 patients. A greater percentage of 6-month cohort patients utilized opioids (P=0.0052), muscle relaxants (P=0.0061), and lumbar steroid injections (P<0.0001). When considering the average amount spent on conservative management, 6-month patients ($1824/patient) spent 1.55 times more than 3-month patients ($1178/patient). The 6-month:3-month average spending ratio was <2.0 for all of the nonoperative therapies except nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (2.66) and epidural steroid injections (2.25). When normalized by the number of opioid users, the number of opioid medications dispensed was proportionally less in 3-month patients compared with 6-month patients, with a 6-month:3-month ratio of 1.52.

CONCLUSIONS

The costs associated with a subsequent course of nonoperative therapies for symptomatic lumbar disk herniation seem to be slightly less than that of the primary trial. Assuming a minimal clinical benefit after the initial trial of nonsurgical therapies, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of a subsequent trial versus surgery may be unfavorable. Future studies identifying patients likely to benefit from surgery earlier in the treatment course is required.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Patients With Persistent Low Back Pain and Nerve Root Involvement: To Operate, or Not to Operate, That Is the Question

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this study were to evaluate the outcome of surgical and nonsurgical treatment for patients with lumbar herniated disc (LHD) or lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) after 2 years and to identify predictors for nonsuccess.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Studies regarding the clinician's ability to identify patients with a poor prognosis are not in concurrence and further studies are warranted.

METHODS

This study included 390 patients with LHD or LSS referred for surgical evaluation after unsuccessful conservative treatment. Nonsuccess was defined as a Roland-Morris Disability score above 4 (0-23) or a Numeric Rating Scale back and leg pain score above 20 (0-60). Uni- and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to investigate potential predictive factors including sociodemographic characteristics, history findings, levels of pain and disability, and magnetic resonance imaging findings.

RESULTS

Rates of nonsuccess at 2 years were approximately 30% in surgically treated patients with LHD, approximately about 60% in patients with LSS for disability, and 30% and 40%, respectively for pain. For the main outcome variable, disability, in the final multiple logistic regression model, nonsuccess after surgery was associated with male sex (odds ratio [OR] 2.04, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02-4.11, P = 0.04), low level of education (OR 2.60, 95% CI: 1.28-5.29, P = 0.01), high pain intensity (OR 3.06, 95% CI: 1.51-6.21, P < 0.01), and widespread pain (OR 3.59, 95% CI: 1.36-9.46, P = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that the prognosis for patients referred for surgery with persistent LHD or LSS and unsuccessful conservative treatment is substantially better when surgery is performed as opposed to not performed. The predictive value of the variables male sex, low level of education, high pain intensity, and widespread pain location found in our study are partly in accordance with results of previous studies. Thus, our results warrant further investigation until firm conclusions can be made.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

Creating value in spine surgery: using patient reported outcomes to compare the short-term impact of different orthopedic surgical procedures

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Society increasingly asks Medicine to create "value" for patients. As health-care costs rise, this question will become more important. Debate exists regarding the relative "value" of many surgical procedures, including spinal surgery. Comparison of the relative value that patients experience after different orthopedic procedures is theoretical, but informs the ongoing debate.

METHODS

The Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) assessments for Physical Function, Pain Interference, and Depression are routinely collected in our orthopedic clinics. Patients who underwent lumbar discectomy (DSC) or arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) were retrospectively identified. Data relating to PROMIS domains, patient demographics, and other relevant encounter details were extracted. The primary outcomes were (1) preoperative PROMIS domain scores, (2) scores at a minimum of 40 days postoperatively for DSC patients and 133 days postoperatively for ACLR patients, and (3) the change in scores with surgery. Propensity score matching identified age-, sex-, race-, and comorbidity-matched groups from each cohort. Chi-square tests and nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis tests compared the distribution of outcomes and characteristics. Multivariate linear regression models with interactions between the matched cohort and operative phase estimated the change in the outcomes scores between the two cohorts and controlled for the baseline differences between them.

RESULTS

Before surgery, the DSC cohort had lower physical function, higher pain interference and higher depression scores as compared with the ACLR cohort. This pattern remained postoperatively, indicating less desirable outcomes for DSC patients. However, after controlling for their baseline scores, DSC patients experienced significantly greater improvements after surgery of 3.84 (95% CI 1.08-6.60; p=.01), -4.87 (95% CI -7.52 to -2.23; p<.001), and -2.95 (95% CI -5.70 to -0.21; p=.04) points in their physical function, pain interference, and depression scores, respectively, as compared with ACLR patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Based upon PROMIS assessments at short-term follow-up, DSC patients receive a larger benefit from surgery than ACLR despite the overall less desirable postoperative PROMIS scores in the DSC cohort. This result, while theoretical, informs the debate regarding the comparative value of DSC to patients.

DEGREE OF SATISFACTION WITH THE ENDOSCOPIC TREATMENT OF LUMBAR DISC HERNIATION

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the degree of patient satisfaction and complications after endoscopic surgery for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 94 patients with lumbar disc herniation undergoing endoscopic lumbar discectomy through the MacNab questionnaire and four subjective questions related to the procedure. Results: Approximately 82% of the patients had good and excellent results, and 91.4% reported being satisfied with the surgical result obtained with endoscopy. The rate of complications with the method was 9.5%, with recurrent disc herniation being the most common complication (5.4% of cases). Conclusions: Endoscopic surgery proved to be an effective and safe method, and an alternative to conventional open surgery. Level of evidence; III. Therapeutic studies - Investigation of treatment results.

Polyurethane as a strategy for annulus fibrosus repair and regeneration: a systematic review

Aim: Disc herniation is a spine disease that leads to suffering and disability. Discectomy is a Janus-faced approach that relieves pain symptoms but leave the intervertebral discs predisposed to herniation. This systematic review discussed the mechanical and biological requirements for a polyurethane-based biomaterial to be used in annular repair. Methods: Search strategy was performed in PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases to define the main mechanical properties, biological findings and follow-up aspects of these biomaterials. The range was limited to articles published from January 2000 to December 2017 in English language. Results: The search identified 82 articles. From these, a total of 18 articles underwent a full-text analysis, and 16 studies were included in the review. Conclusion: The polyurethane presents suitable properties to be used as an engineered solution to re-establish the microenvironment and biomechanical features of the intervertebral disc.

We Need to Talk about Lumbar Total Disc Replacement

BACKGROUND

Replacement of a diseased lumbar intervertebral disc with an artificial device, a procedure known as lumbar total disc replacement (LTDR), has been practiced since the 1980s.

METHODS

Comprehensive review of published literature germane to LTDR, but comment is restricted to high-quality evidence reporting implantation of lumbar artificial discs that have been commercially available for at least 15 years at the time of writing and which continue to be commercially available.

RESULTS

LTDR is shown to be a noninferior (and sometimes superior) alternative to lumbar fusion in patients with discogenic low back pain and/or radicular pain attributable to lumbar disc degenerative disease (LDDD). Further, LTDR is a motion-preserving procedure, and evidence is emerging that it may also result in risk reduction for subsequent development and/or progression of adjacent segment disease.

CONCLUSIONS

In spite of the substantial logistical challenges to the safe introduction of LTDR to a health care facility, the procedure continues to gain acceptance, albeit slowly.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Patients with LDDD who are considering an offer of spinal surgery can only provide valid and informed consent if they have been made aware of all reasonable surgical and nonsurgical options that may benefit them. Accordingly, and in those cases in which LTDR may have a role to play, patients under consideration for other forms of spinal surgery should be informed that this valid procedure exists.

Predictors of the outcome of lumbar disc herniation following classical surgery : Laminotomy with discectomy

BACKGROUND

Several surgical variables and patient characteristics play an influential role in the prognosis of lumbar disc herniation following laminotomy with discectomy. This paper seeks to evaluate the perioperative predictor variables for the outcome of lumbar disc herniation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From October 2013 to July 2016, 166 surgical patients were evaluated using prospectively collected data. Patients' preoperative independent variables (age, sex, body mass index, level of disc herniation, pain duration, and American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Score) were correlated with functional outcome measures such as primary outcome measures (length of hospital stay; postoperative visual analog scale, VAS; Oswestry disability index, ODI) and secondary outcome measures (operation room time; estimated intraoperative blood loss, EBL; complications; readmission) as dependent variables. Multivariate linear regression as well as independent and paired sample t‑tests were used to analyze data. Data processing and analysis were carried out in SPSS 16.0. Results were deemed significant at P < 0.05.

RESULTS

There were significant improvements in the postoperative mean VAS back and leg scores and the postoperative mean ODI back and leg scores compared to preoperative values. Using multivariate linear regression analysis, the association of patient age (b = 0.246, P = 0.003) and pain duration (b = 0.152, P = 0.04) with estimated intraoperative blood loss was statistically significant. Age was also associated with the postoperative VAS back score (b = -0.197, P = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Pain duration and age are predictive of estimated blood loss. Patient age is also predictive of the postoperative VAS back score.

[Surgical treatment of lumbar disc herniation]

OBJECTIVE

Herniated disc tissue removal to decompress the spinal nerve/cauda equina. Minimization of iatrogenic trauma and associated injuries.

INDICATIONS

Conservative treatment did not sufficiently improve clinical symptoms. This is true for progressive or persisting neurological deficits, as well as for persisting pain which alters the quality of the patient`s life. Results of surgery are strongly dependent on the preoperative duration of symptoms. Paramount is the "timing" of surgery: poorer surgical results associated with increasing preoperative duration of symptoms.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Conservative treatment modalities have not been exhausted.

SURGICAL TECHNIQUES

There are 2 technologies (endoscopic/microsurgical) and 5 different approach strategies (endoscopic: interlaminar, transforaminal; microsurgical: interlaminar, translaminar, extraforaminal), whereby the choice is determined by morphology and location of the herniated disc. All techniques are minimally invasive and lead to comparable clinical results.

POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT

For all techniques, patients are mobilized early. Light sports activities allowed after 2 weeks and return to work after about 4 weeks.

RESULTS

Good clinical outcomes in meta-analyses/large case series are between 80-95 %.

Intervertebral Fusion with Mobile Microendoscopic Discectomy for Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease

The aim of this article is to introduce a technique for lumbar intervertebral fusion that incorporates mobile microendoscopic discectomy (MMED) for lumbar degenerative disc disease. Minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion is frequently performed to treat degenerative diseases of the lumbar spine; however, the scope of such surgery and vision is limited by what the naked eye can see through the expanding channel system. To expand the visual scope and reduce trauma, we perform lumbar intervertebral fusion with the aid of a MMED system that provides a wide field through freely tilting the surgical instrument and canals. We believe that this technique is a good option for treating lumbar degenerative disc disease that requires lumbar intervertebral fusion.

Lumbar Endoscopic Microdiscectomy: Where Are We Now? An Updated Literature Review Focused on Clinical Outcome, Complications, and Rate of Recurrence

Endoscopic disc surgery (EDS) for lumbar spine disc herniation is a well-known but developing field, which is increasingly spreading in the last few years. Rate of recurrence/residual, complications, and outcomes, in comparison with standard microdiscectomy (MD), is still debated and need further data. We performed an extensive review based on the last 6 years of surgical series, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses reported in international, English-written literature. Articles regarding patients treated through endoscopic transforaminal or interlaminar approaches for microdiscectomy (MD) were included in the present review. Papers focused on endoscopic surgery for other spinal diseases were not included. From July 2009 to July 2015, we identified 51 surgical series, 5 systematic reviews, and one meta-analysis reported. In lumbar EDS, rate of complications, length of hospital staying, return to daily activities, and overall patients' satisfaction seem comparable to standard MD. Rate of recurrence/residual seems higher in EDS, although data are nonhomogeneous among different series. Surgical indication and experience of the performing surgeon are crucial factors affecting the outcome. There is growing but still weak evidence that lumbar EDS is a valid and safe alternative to standard open microdiscectomy. Statistically reliable data obtained from randomized controlled trials (better if multicentric) are desirable to further confirm these results.