EFFECT OF ACUPUNCTURE ON POST-OPERATIVE FUNCTIONAL RECOV-ERY IN PATIENTS WITH LUMBAR INTERVERTEBRAL DISC PROTRUSION

Objective To observe the influence of acupuncture on the post-operative rehabilitation in patients undergoing vertebral pulp extraction due to lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion （LIDP） so as to evaluate its efficacy in the treatment of lumbago induced by LIDP. Methods A total of 69 patients undergoing vertebral pulp extraction were randomized into acupuncture group （ n = 35） and control group （ n = 34）. Patients of acupuncture group were treated with routine rehabilitation method and electroacupuncture （EA） stimulation on Zhìbiān （秩边 BL54） and Wěizhōng （委中 BL40）, acupuncture on Shènshū （ 肾俞 BL23）, Dàchángshū （大肠俞 BL25）, BL54, BL40, Jiájǐ （夹脊 EX-B 2）, Shàngliáo （上髎 BL31）, etc., and cupping on BL40, with 15 days being a therapeutic course and for average 7. 36 courses. Patients of control group were treated with simple rehabilitation method. Functional recovery state was judged before and after surgery by using the standards of Japanese Orthopedic Association （JOA）. Results The average recovery rates of 3 months, 6 months and one year after surgery were 49.93% ,90.31% and 95.08% separately in acupuncture group, and 26.24% ,63.42% and 71.36% successively in control group. The recovery rates of acupuncture group were significantly higher than those of control group at the same time-points （P〈0. 05）. Conclusion Acupuncture has a definite effect on promoting post-operative functional recovery in LIDP patients undergoing vertebral pulp extraction and spinal fusion.

Tuina Therapy of Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Protrusion

ＴｕｉｎａＴｈｅｒａｐｙｏｆＬｕｍｂａｒＩｎｔｅｒｖｅｒｔｅｂｒａｌＤｉｓｃＰｒｏｔｒｕｓｉｏｎ￥ＪｉａｎｇＷｅｉｚｈｕａｎｇ（ＩｎｓｔｉｔｕｔｅｏｆＯｒｔｈｏＰ．／ＴｒａｕｍａＣｈｉｎａＡｃａｄｅｍｙｏｆＴｒａｄｉｔｉｏｎａｌＣｈｉｎｅｓｅＭｅｄｉ...

Epidural fat distribution patterns in patients with lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion

Objective： To investigate epidural fat distribution patterns in patients with lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion. Methods： Medical records were selected randomly from 30 patients whose diagnoses were consistent with the inclusion criteria of the study. Thickness of bilateral fat, the longest length of posterior fat, thickness of bilateral yellow ligament and the hernial distance of lumbar discs were measured by MRI at L3/L4, L4/L5 and L5/S 1 levels. According to clinical symptoms of lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion, the patients were divided into two groups at all space levels. All data were analyzed by statistical software. Results： The longest length of posterior epidural fat at the symptomatic levels was shorter than that at the non-symptomatic levels in each disc space. The symptomatic levels had no effect on the whole thickness of the lateral fat and lateral yellow ligaments. Conclusion： Epidural fat distribution in patients with lumbar intcrvertebral disc protrusion is different from that in normal adults. It is affected by the hernial distance of lumbar discs. The diagnostic criteria for spinal epidural lipomatosis in normal adults may therefore prove to be inappropriate for patients with lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion.

CLINICAL OBSERVATION ON LUMBAR INTERVERTEBRAL DISC HERNIATION TREATED BY TRACTION COMBINED WITH ACUPUNCTURE

Objective: To observe the therapeutic effect of traction combined with acupuncture on lumbar intervertebral disc herniation (LIDH). Methods:Eighty-three patients diagnosed as LIDH were randomly divided into treatment group (n=42)and control group (n=41). In the treatment group, besides lumbar traction, electroacupuncture at Jiaji (EX-B 2, L 3～5), Shenshu (BL 23), Qihai (CV 6), Mingmen (GV 4), Huantiao (GB 30), Chengshan (BL 57) and Yanglingquan (GB 34) was added. In the control group, only lumbar traction was applied. Results: In treatment group, the cure plus markedly effective rate was 80.95% with a total effective rate of 92.86%, while in control group, it was 39.02% with a total effective rate of 80.48%. The therapeutic effect in the treatment group was obviously better than that in the control group (P<0.001). Conclusion: Lumbar traction plus EA can effectively alleviate or even eliminate clinical symptoms and signs of lumbar intervertebral disc herniation.

Treatment of Protrusion of Lumbar Intervertebral Disc by Massotherapy under Anesthesia—A Report of 64 Cases

Sixty-four cases of protrusion of lumbarintervertebral disc were treated by massotherapy withheavy manipulations plus blocking therapy underanesthesia from August,1997 to July,1998,withsatisfactory therapeutic results as reported in thefollowing.Clinical DataNinety-four cases in the series were randomlydivided into two groups.All the 94 cases satisfied thecriteria for diagnosis of the disorder,and thediagnosis was confirmed by

ELECTROACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT OF 176 CASES OF LUMBAR INTERVERTEBRAL DISC PROTRUSION

In the present paper, 176 cases of lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion are treated with electroacupuncture (EA) and topical heat irradiation. Local tender-point is used as the main acupoint, combined with Tunzhong, Tiaoyue, Weizhong (BL 40) and Yanglingquan (GB 34). The treatment is conducted once daily, with 15 sessions being a therapeutic course. Following treatment, of 176 cases, 46 (26. 1%) are cured, 90 (51. 1%) have prominent improvement, 35 (19.8%) have amelioration and 5 (2.8%) have no apparent changes, with a total effective rate of 97.0%.

80 CASES OF PROLAPSE OF LUMBAR INTERVERTEBRAL DISC TREATED BY ROUND-SHARP NEEDLE

Objective: To observe the therapeutic effect of round-sharp needle for prolapse of lumbar intervertebral disc. Methods: A total of 80 cases of lumbar intervertebral disc prolapse were treated by puncturing Qihaishu (气海俞 BL 24), Guanyuanshu (关元俞 BL 26), etc., with round-sharp needle, once every week, continuously for 4 sessions. Results: After the treatment, of the 80 cases, 56 (70 %) were cured, 16 (20%) improved,and 8 (10)%) failed, with an effective rate of 90%. Conclusion: Round-sharp needle works well in the treatment of prolapse of lumbar intervertebral disc.

SUMMARY OF RESEARCHES ON THE TREATMENT OF PROTRUSION OF LUMBAR INTERVERTEBRAL DISC BY"SHE-BIE" OINTMENT-PARTITION MOXIBUSTION

In the present paper the authors sum up their research results about "She-Bie" (black-tail snake-ground beetle) Ointment-partition moxibustion for treatment of lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion (LIDP). Animal experiments showed that when used externally, "She-Bie" Ointment had striking anti-inflammation and pain-relief actions but had no irritant and no allergic effects to the skin. In the treatment of mild type of LIDP, "She-Bie" Ointment partition moxibustion could work well in improving clinical symptoms; and in the treatment of moderate type of LIDP, it could be used as a supplementary measure and raise the excellent and good rates of the therapeutic effect further. For this reason, "She-Bie" Ointment partition moxibustion deserves being popularized in clinical treatment of LIDP.

TREATMENT OF 247 CASES OF PROLAPSE OF LUMBAR INTERVERTEBRAL DISC WITH COMPREHENSIVE PLUM-BLOSSOM MAGNETIC NEEDLE THERAPY

Objective: To observe the therapeutic effect of comprehensive plum-blossom magnetic needle therapy on prolapse of lumbar intervertebral disc. Methods: 247 cases of prolapse of lumbar intervertebral disc were treated first with manual treatment and then with plum-blossom magnetic needle therapy and effect-increasing pad therapy at specified points and reactive points. Results: After treatment for 2 therapeutic courses,153 cases were cured accounting for 61.94%, 71 cases were markedly effective accounting for 28.75%, 22 cases were improved accounting for 8.91% and the rest one failed,accounting for 0.45%. Conclusion: The comprehensive plum-blossom magnetic needle therapy has a better therapeutic effect on prolapse of lumbar intervertebral disc.

CLINICAL OBSERVATION ON TREATMENT OF 80 CASES OF PROLAPSE OF LUMBAR INTERVERTEBRAL DISC BY COMBINATION OF ACUPUNCTURE AND MEDICINE

cases of prolapse of lumbar intervetebral disc were randomly divided into treatment and control groups. 80 cases in treatment group were treated with combination of acupuncture, oral administration of Chinese medicinal herbs, traction, point injection and intravenous drip of energy dehydration mixture; 70 cases in control group were managed by combination of acupuncture, oral administration of herbal medicines, traction, acupoint injection (without energy dehydration mixture). The results showed that the curative rate and the total effective rate of the treatment group were 91.25% and 98.75% separately, while those of the control group 62.86% and 92.86% respectively. Comparison of the curative rate between the 2 groups showed a remarkable significance (P<0.01). The observation demonstrated that combined treatment of prolapse of lumbar intervertebral disc with traditional Chinese and Western medicine is an effective approach.

Therapy of auricular subcutaneous penetration needling combined with row acupuncture at the meridian sinew in 103 cases of prolapse of lumbar intervertebral disc

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of auricular subcutaneous penetration needling combining with row acupuncture at meridian sinew on prolapse of lumbar intervertebral disc. Methods One hundred and three patients with prolapse of lumbar intervertebral disc were treated with a combined treatment of auricular subcutaneous penetration needling and row acupuncture at meridian sinew. Results Of 103 patients, 46 cases were cured, 33 were markedly effective, 21 effective and 3 ineffective. The total effective rate was 97.1% （100/103）. Conclusion The combined treatment of auricular subcutaneous penetration needling and row acupuncture at meridian sinew has a significant efficacy for the treatment of prolapse of lumbar intervertebral disc.

Observation of efficacy on prolapse of lumbar intervertebral disc treated with body acupuncture and wrist-ankle acupuncture

Objective To observe the clinical effects of body acupuncture and wrist-ankle acupuncture on prolapse of lumbar intervertebral disc, Methods One hundred and eighty cases of prolapse of lumbar intervertebral disc were randomly divided into body acupuncture and wrist-ankle acupuncture group （observation group） and simple body acupuncture group （control group）, 90 cases in each one. In observation group, body acupuncture was applied on Ahshi points of lumbar region, lumbar Jiájǐ （夹脊EX-B 2）, Dàchángshú（大肠俞 BL 25）, etc. and wrist-ankle acupuncture was applied on lower No. 4, 5 and 6 regions. In control group, simple body acupuncture was applied on the same points as observation group. Results The lumbar vertebral function and pain scale were improved in either group in comparison before and after treatment （P〈0.05）. Concerning pain improvement, the total effective rate was 95.6% in observation group, which was superior to that （86.7%） in control group （P〈0.05）. Concerning the improvement of lumbar vertebral function, the total effective rate was 90.0% in observation group and 93.3% in control group, without significant difference between two groups （P〉0.05）. Conclusion Combined therapy of body acupuncture and wrist-ankle acupuncture demonstrates apparent analgesia in prolapse of lumbar intervertebral disc.

Peridural Injection of Mailuoning Compound Liquor for Treatment of Prolapse of Lumbar Intervertebral Disc in 100 Cases

Objective: To observe the therapeutic effects of peridural injection of Mailuoning Compound Liquor (脉络宁复合液) for prolapse of lumbar intervertebral disc (PLID). Methods: Peridural injection of Mailuoning Compound Liquor (MCL) was given to 100 cases of PLID, once a week, 4 sessions constituting a therapeutic course. By adopting the scoring method, observations were carried out on the total therapeutic effect and changes in the 13 items of the symptoms and signs. Results: After treatment, the JOA scores in this series of patients were markedly enhanced as compared with the scores before treatment, showing significant differences in the paired t test (P<0.05). The sum of the excellent and good rates was 64%, and the total effective rate was 97%. All the scores in the 13 items under observation were significantly raised as compared with the scores before treatment (P<0.05). Conclusion: Peridural injection of MCL is an effective and safe therapy for PLID, and with shorter treating course, quicker therapeutic effects, and less suffering for the patients.

Electroacupuncture plus waist-strengthening exercises for herniation of lumbar intervertebral disc

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture plus waist-strengthening exercises in treating herniation of lumbar intervertebral disc. Methods Fifty patients with herniation of lumbar intervertebral disc were treated with eleetroaeupuncture at the points of Shiqizhui （十七椎 EX-B 8）, Yaoyangguan（腰阳关 GV 3）, Huantiao （环跳 GB 30）, Yanglingquan （阳陵泉GB 34） and waist-strengthening exercises. The total scores of general symptoms were evaluated before the treatment and after four months and seven months of treatment to compare the therapeutic effects. Results The total scores of general symptoms after four months and seven months of treatment were 15.30±5.66 and 19.08±4.57 respectively, which were much higher than the score of 7.42±2.20 before the treatment （both P〈0.01 ）, in addition, the score after seven months of treatment was higher than that after four months of treatment. The variation of scores in patients with different types after treatment was statistically significant （P〈0.05）, and the best effect can he seen in the blood stagnation type of patients with herniation of hnnbar intervertebral disc, then less the patients with liver and kidney deficiency type. Conclusion Electroacupuneture plus waist-strengthening exercises has a satisfactory therapeutic effect on herniation of lumbar intervertebral diste, the longer course of treatment is, the beffer therapeutic effect achieved.

Diagnostic Significance of Topical Image of Infrared Thermography on The Patients with Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Protrusion AComparative Study on 45 Patients with Manipulative Treatment and 65 Normal Control

Objective: To analyse and explore the diagnostic significance of infrared thermography on the patients with lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion.Methods: Forty-five hospitalized cases under conservative treatment (mainly manipulation) and 65 controls were consecutively selected. Both groups were examined with infrared thermography on lower back and lower extremities as well as physical examination before and after treatment. The study statistically analysed the temperature difference between the involved and healthy parts at different areas; and also compared the variation of the temperature difference after the treatment to the decreasing scores of physical examination afterward. Results: The statistic result showed that the temperature difference between two sides on patient group was significantly higher than those of the control group. The further analysis showed that the temperature difference at posterior femur area in the patients’ group correlated significantly to the severity of clinical signs caused by nerve root irritation.Conclusion: The thermogram was uncertain to the segmental diagnosis of lumbar disc protrusion and could only be considered as a reference in the final diagnosis. Nevertheless, it is helpful to discover the severity of radical signs according to the posterior femoral region of hypo- (hyper-) thermogram.

A Study on Extension－Flexion Dynamic Lumbar Spine Radiographsin Patients with Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Herniation

The study has collected a set of clinical materials such as extension-flexion dynamic lum-bar spine radiographs and computerized x-ray tornography of lumbar spine and quantified physical exami-nation from 32 patients with lumbar intervertebral disc herniation, who had gone through a suocessful con-servative treatment. The collection was conducted twice before and after the treatment. With the help oft-test and linear correlation analysis, the study suggests that extensionflexion radiograph of lumbar spineis of important clinical significance in weighing the clinical state of an individual patient, especially forthose who receive conservative treatment. The study emphasizes that the biomechanical disturbance oflumbar spinal column may be from another important pathological element along with the irritation of thenerve root by herniated disc tissue in the pathomechanics of lumbar disc herniation. There is also somediscussion of the computerized X-ray tomography diagnosis in this study. Above all, the author provides anew angle of viewing the trouble by one of the soul principles of traditional Chinese medicine: concept ofholistics .

Apparent diffusion coefficient in normal and abnormal pattern of intervertebral lumbar discs: initial experience

The aim of the present study was to compare the relationship of morphologically defined non-bulging/herni-ated, bulging and herniated intervertebral lumbar discs with quantitative apparent diffusion coefficient （ADC）. Thirty-two healthy volunteers and 28 patients with back pain or sciatica were examined by MRI. All intervertebral lumbar discs from L1 to S1 were classified according to morphological abnormality and degenerated grades. The ADC values of nucleus pulposus （NP） were measured and recorded. The significant differences about mean ADC values of NP were found between non-bulging/herniated discs and bulging discs as well as herniated discs （P 0.05）, whereas there were no significant differences in ADC values between bulging and herniated discs （P 0.05）. Moreover, statistically significant relationship was found in the mean ADC values of NP between ＂non-bulging/herniated and non-degenerated discs＂ and ＂non-bulging/herniated degenerated discs＂ as well as herniated discs （P 0.05）. Linear regression analysis between ADC value and disc level revealed an inverse correlation （r = -0.18）. The ADC map of the NP is a potentially useful tool for the quantitative assessment of componential and molecular alterations accompanied with lumbar disc abnormalities.

Clinical observation of bone graft impaction on posterior intervertebral body fusion for lumbar spondylolisthesis

Objective To investigate the clinical effect of bone graft impaction on posterior intervertebral fusion for lumbar spondylolisthesis.Methods From January 2001 to July 2008,36 patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis were treated by

Comparison of microendoscopic discectomy and open discectomy for single-segment lumbar disc herniation

BACKGROUND Lumbar disc herniation is a common disease.Endoscopic treatment may have more advantages than traditional surgery.AIM To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of microendoscopic discectomy(MED)and open discectomy with lamina nucleus enucleation in the treatment of singlesegment lumbar intervertebral disc herniation.METHODS Ninety-six patients who were operated at our hospital were selected for this study.Patients with single-segment lumbar disc herniation were admitted to the hospital from March 2018 to March 2019 and were randomly divided into the observation group and the control group with 48 cases in each group.The former group underwent lumbar discectomy and the latter underwent laparotomy and nucleus pulpectomy.Surgical effects were compared between the two groups.RESULTS In terms of surgical indicators,the observation group had a longer operation time,shorter postoperative bedtime and hospital stay,less intraoperative blood loss,and smaller incision length than the control group(P<0.05).The excellent recovery rate did not differ significantly between the observation group(93.75%)and the control group(91.67%).Visual analogue scale pain scores were significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group at 1 d,3 d,1 mo,and 6 mo after surgery(P<0.05).The incidence of complications was significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group(6.25%vs 22.92%,P<0.05).CONCLUSION Both MED and open discectomy can effectively improve single-segment lumbar disc herniation,but MED is associated with less trauma,less bleeding,and a lower incidence of complications.

TREATMENT OF 29 CASES OF LUMBAR INTERVETEBRAL DISC PROTRUSION WITH GINGER-SEPARATED MOXIBUSTION

: To observe the effect of ginger-separated moxibustion for treatment of lumbar intervertebral disc prolapse. Methods: 29 lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion patients including 21 males and 8 females were treated with ginger-separated moxibustion of Ashi-point and Jiaji (EX-B 2 , the affected region), 5-6 cones every time, once every other day, continuously for 5 times. Then the therapeutic effect was analyzed. Results: After treatment, of the 29 cases, 23(79.3%) were cured, and the rest 6(20.7%) experienced improvement. Conclusion: Ginger-separated moxibustion is fairly effective and safe in treatment of lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion.