CLINICAL OBSERVATIONS ON THE SELECTION OF ABDOMINAL ACUPOINTS TO RELIEVE LOWER LUMBAR PAIN

This paper discusses the selection of abdominal area kidney and meridian acupoints120 patients suffering from lower lumbar pain using the fingers to press the acupoints. Althoughthe types of ailments, mildness or severity of the patients’ conditions f and duration of illness var-ied, in all cases satisfactory treatment results were achieved. The average effective rate was 97.5%. The average rate of cure (complete recovery rate) was 73.3%. Patients who had sufferedfrom symptoms for a period of less than one year and patients afflicted with mild or moderate con-ditions enjoyed the most outstanding treatment results. The advantages of this treatment method or technique are as follows: 1. This method ortechnique brings the distinctive dynamics of traditional Chinese medicine theory and meridian the-ory into full play. 2. This method of treatment uses neither acupuncture needles nor moxibus-tion. It merely utilizes the fingers to press certain acupoints. It is simple, convenient and easy toimplement.It is

Effect of total lumbar disc replacement on the treatment of discogenic low lumbar pain： preliminary outcomes

Background Lumbar pedicle screw fixation and fusion are major procedures for treating discogenic low back pain （DLBP）. However, due to its advantages of preserving the segmental motion and biomechanical simulation, artificial total lumbar disc replacement （TDR） is increasingly popular. Methods From 2007 to 2010, 68 DLBP patients were enrolled. TDR were performed on 34 patients and the other 34 controls underwent the traditional fixation procedure. Qualitative and quantitative evaluations were followed including the changes in range of motion （ROM） and interpedicle height （IPH） at the posterior intervertebral body of operated level, in 6 and 12 months, and 3 years, postoperatively. Results Qualitative results showed satisfying improvement in the two groups after 6 and 12 months, respectively, and the inter-group differences were significant （P 〉0.05）. The results of ROM and IPH have shown significant differences between the TDR and spinal fusion groups （P 〈0.05）. Conclusion With similar clinical improvements as the traditional spinal fusion method, TDR offered significantly better ROM and intervertebral foramen hei.qht.

Management of lumbar zygapophysial (facet) joint pain

AIM: To investigate the diagnostic validity and therapeutic value of lumbar facet joint interventions in managing chronic low back pain.METHODS: The review process applied systematic evidence-based assessment methodology of controlled trials of diagnostic validity and randomized controlled trials of therapeutic efficacy. Inclusion criteria encompassed all facet joint interventions performed in a controlled fashion. The pain relief of greater than 50% was the outcome measure for diagnostic accuracy assessment of the controlled studies with ability to perform previously painful movements, whereas, for randomized controlled therapeutic efficacy studies, the primary outcome was significant pain relief and the secondary outcome was a positive change in functional status. For the inclusion of the diagnostic controlled studies, all studies must have utilized either placebo controlled facet joint blocks or comparative local anesthetic blocks. In assessing therapeutic interventions, short-term and long-term reliefs were defined as either up to 6 mo or greater than 6 mo of relief. The literature search was extensive utilizing various types of electronic search media including Pub Med from 1966 onwards, Cochrane library, National Guideline Clearinghouse, clinicaltrials.gov, along with other sources includingprevious systematic reviews, non-indexed journals, and abstracts until March 2015. Each manuscript included in the assessment was assessed for methodologic quality or risk of bias assessment utilizing the Quality Appraisal of Reliability Studies checklist for diagnostic interventions, and Cochrane review criteria and the Interventional Pain Management Techniques- Quality Appraisal of Reliability and Risk of Bias Assessment tool for therapeutic interventions. Evidence based on the review of the systematic assessment of controlled studies was graded utilizing a modified schema of qualitative evidence with best evidence synthesis, variable from level Ⅰ to level Ⅴ.RESULTS: Across all databases, 16 high quality diagnostic accuracy studies were identified. In addition, multiple studies assessed the influence of multiple factors on diagnostic validity. In contrast to diagnostic validity studies, therapeutic efficacy trials were limited to a total of 14 randomized controlled trials, assessing the efficacy of intraarticular injections, facet or zygapophysial joint nerve blocks, and radiofrequency neurotomy of the innervation of the facet joints. The evidence for the diagnostic validity of lumbar facet joint nerve blocks with at least 75% pain relief with ability to perform previously painful movements was level Ⅰ, based on a range of level Ⅰ to Ⅴ derived from a best evidence synthesis. For therapeutic interventions, the evidence was variable from level Ⅱ to Ⅲ, with level Ⅱ evidence for lumbar facet joint nerve blocks and radiofrequency neurotomy for long-term improvement(greater than 6 mo), and level Ⅲ evidence for lumbosacral zygapophysial joint injections for short-term improvement only.CONCLUSION: This review provides significant evidence for the diagnostic validity of facet joint nerve blocks, and moderate evidence for therapeutic radiofrequency neurotomy and therapeutic facet joint nerve blocks in managing chronic low back pain.

Ultrasound, Fluoroscopic-Guided Caudal, Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injections and Blinding Paraspinal Lumbosacral Steroid Injections in Patients with Low Back Pain with Radiculopathy

Background and Aims: Low back pain (LBP) is considered one of the most common health conditions in the world right now, and it affects many individuals throughout different stages of their lives. Chronic LBP (CLBP) was estimated to be between 5% and 10%, defined as LBP that lasts for 12 weeks. The most common causes of CLBP with radiculopathy are lumbar disc prolapse (LDP) and degenerative facet osteoarthropathy (DFO);the aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of ultrasound (US) guided, fluoroscopy (FL) guided, Caudal Epidural Steroid Injection (CESI), lumbar epidural steroid injections (LESI), and blinding lumbosacral steroid injections (LSPSI) in patients with CLBP with radiculopathy. Patients and Methods: This is a randomized prospective study that was conducted at the department of rheumatology at Al Azhar University Hospital in Egypt between November 2020 and August 2021. A total of 100 patients with refractory CLBP with radiculopathy were enrolled in the study. Consequently, they were divided into 2 groups: the first consisted of fifty patients with CLBP and radiculopathy caused by LDP, as determined by lumbosacral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and the second group consisted of fifty patients with refractory low back pain and radiculopathy caused by DFO, as determined by lumbosacral plain x-rays and lumbosacral MRI. The following procedures were performed: US-guided CESI, FL-guided CESI, FL-guided LESI, US-guided LESI, and blinding LSPSI. Results: In the LDP group, there is a statistically significant difference between considered spinal nerve roots as regards Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) (at 2 months). Likewise, a statistically significant difference was found between blinding LSPSI and US-Guided LESI with respect to VAS (baseline) and VAS (2 months) (P-value = 0.018 and 0.003, respectively). Statistically significant differences were reported in VAS (2 months) for both FL-guided LESI and FL-guided CESI groups. Considering the VAS of studied spinal nerve roots in the DFO group, there is a statistically significant difference between the examined spinal nerve roots with respect to Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) (2 months). Similarly, there is a statistically significant difference in VAS (2 months) between US-guided LESI and para-spinal roots and FL-guided LESI and para-spinal roots (P-value = 0.038 and 0.021, respectively). Additionally, there is a statistically significant difference between the US-guided CESI, FL-guided CESI, FL-guided LESI, and spinal nerve roots with respect to ODI (at 2 months). (P-value = 0.033, 0.025 and 0.005, respectively). Conclusion: US is excellent in guiding CESI and LESI and should be the preferred alternative when FL is not provided, with a similar treatment outcome compared to FL-CESI and LESI.

Immunopathological observation of lumbar disc herniation and discogenic pain

Objective To evaluate and compare the immunopathological changes of lumbar disc herniation and discogenic pain.Methods Seventy-one lumbar disc nucleuses were collected intra-operation,and they were divided into four groups.Group A:30 cases

腰椎间盘突出症模型大鼠疼痛的针刺干预

背景:针灸是缓解腰椎间盘突出症腰痛的有效方法,但其机制目前尚未明确。JAK2/STAT3信号通路相关因子可调节机体炎症反应,参与神经病理性疼痛的过程。目的:基于JAK2/STAT3信号通路研究针刺对腰椎间盘突出症模型大鼠的作用机制。方法:采用随机数字表法将40只SD大鼠分为假手术组、模型组、针刺组与针刺+激动剂组,每组10只。模型组、针刺组及针刺+激动剂组采用自体髓核移植法构建L5腰椎间盘突出症模型,造模3 d后,针刺组开始进行针刺治疗(作用于阳陵泉、肾俞、环跳、大肠俞等穴位),针刺+激动剂组造模后第6,12,18天针刺治疗前向L4/L5椎间隙鞘内注射JAK2激动剂香豆霉素A1,针刺治疗1次/d,20 min/次,连续治疗15 d。造模前及造模后3,6,9,12,15,18 d,检测大鼠机械缩足阈值;造模后18 d,检测血清炎症因子水平,苏木精-伊红染色观察L5-L6组织形态,RT-PCR检测L5-L6组织JAK2、STAT3 mRNA表达,Western Blot检测L5-L6组织JAK2、STAT3、p-JAK2及p-STAT3蛋白表达。结果与结论:①模型组大鼠造模后不同时间点的机械缩足阈值均低于假手术组(P<0.05),针刺组大鼠造模后9,12,15,18 d的机械缩足阈值均高于模型组(P<0.05),针刺+激动剂组大鼠造模后9,12,15,18 d的机械缩足阈值均低于针刺组(P<0.05);②与假手术组比较,模型组白细胞介素6、肿瘤坏死因子α、神经递质P物质、脑部神经肽Y水平均升高(P<0.05);与模型组比较,针刺组4种炎症因子水平均降低(P<0.05);与针刺组比较,针刺+激动剂组4种炎症因子水平均升高(P<0.05);③苏木精-伊红染色显示模型组大鼠腰椎退行性变化明显,针刺组与针刺+激动剂组大鼠腰椎退行性变化减轻,针刺组减轻更明显;④与假手术组比较,模型组JAK2与STAT3 mRNA表达、p-JAK2与p-STAT3蛋白表达均升高(P<0.05);与模型组比较,针刺组JAK2与STAT3 mRNA表达、p-JAK2与p-STAT3蛋白表达均降低(P<0.05);与针刺组比较,针刺+激动剂组JAK2与STAT3 mRNA表达、p-JAK2与p-STAT3蛋白表达均升高(P<0.05);⑤结果表明,针刺干预可通过降低腰椎间盘突出症模型大鼠的炎症反应来缓解疼痛,其作用机制可能与抑制JAK2/STAT3信号通路有关。

Analgesic effects of balanced acupuncture versus body acupuncture in low-back and leg pain patients with lumbar disc herniation, as assessed by resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging

Balanced acupuncture, a single-acupoint balance therapy, regulates the balance of the cerebral center, and is characterized by exerting quick effects and a short treatment course. A total of 20 low-back and leg pain patients with lumbar disc herniation were treated with balanced acupuncture or body acupuncture. Central mechanisms of vaded acupunctures were compared using resting-state functional MRI. Patients from both groups received functional MRI before and after acupuncture. Functional connectivity in brain regions that were strongly associated with the bilatera amygdala was analyzed utilizing AFNI software. Visual analogue scale scores were greater in the balanced acupuncture group compared with the body acupuncture group. Function of the endogenous pain regulation network was enhanced in patients in the balanced acupuncture group, but was not changed in the body acupuncture group. This result indicates that the analgesic effects of body acupuncture do not work through the central nervous system. These data suggest that balanced acupuncture exerts analgesic effects on low-back and leg pain patients with lumbar disc herniation by regulating the function of the endogenous pain regulation network.

运动疗法通过机械-化学偶联治疗慢性非特异性下背痛

背景:目前运动疗法是非药物治疗腰痛的有效方法,运动疗法可通过骨骼和肌肉之间的机械-化学偶联维持腰椎的稳定,但目前尚无关于运动疗法通过机械-化学偶联缓解慢性非特异性下背痛之间研究进展及最佳治疗方案的明确阐述。目的:综述运动疗法时椎旁肌通过机械-化学偶联影响腰椎稳定性进而缓解慢性非特异性下背痛的相关研究进展,以及目前运动疗法治疗慢性非特异性下背痛的最佳方案。方法:在万方数据库、中国知网、维普、Web of Science和PubMed数据库进行文献检索,以“慢性非特异性下背痛,腰椎稳定,椎旁肌,运动疗法”为中文检索词,以“chronic nonspecific low back pain,lumbar stabilization,paravertebral muscle,exercise therapy”为英文检索词,检索各数据库建库至2024年1月发表的相关文献,最终纳入93篇文献进行归纳总结。结果与结论:运动疗法可以通过适当的机械刺激作用于椎旁肌和骨骼并使其产生相应的变化。运动疗法主要通过机械-化学偶联方式来提高椎旁肌的质量,进而维持腰椎稳定,从而更好地缓解慢性非特异性下背痛,是慢性非特异性下背痛的重要干预措施。但是,对于运动疗法通过腰椎稳定来治疗慢性非特异性下背痛的确切有效方案尚无明确报道。个体化运动方案的制定对于慢性非特异性下背痛的治疗和预后尤为重要。同一个体的肌肉质量与骨骼质量是密切相关的,影像学评估椎旁肌的质量和体积对于疾病的发现和干预具有重要意义。

超声形态学评估银质针对腰椎间盘突出症患者多裂肌形态学的影响

背景:银质针等针刺治疗腰椎间盘突出症的研究较多,但基于肌筋膜触发点理论的研究尚少。目的:从肌筋膜触发点理论出发探讨银质针综合疗法对腰椎间盘突出症患者多裂肌超声形态学及临床疗效的影响。方法:前瞻性选取2022年1月至2023年4月就诊的159例腰椎间盘突出症患者作为研究对象,按照随机数字表法随机分为常规组(n=53)、传统针灸组(n=53)和银质针组(n=53)。常规西药组给予常规西药治疗,传统针灸组根据经络走向和症状定位采用传统针刺疗法治疗,银质针组采用银质针灸肌筋膜疼痛触发点进行治疗,3组均连续治疗4周。记录所有患者治疗前后筋膜触发点数量、疼痛程度、腰椎功能、多裂肌超声形态学变化、临床疗效、中医症候评分。结果与结论:(1)治疗后3组的腰背部各肌肉筋膜触发点数量减少,且银质针组较传统针灸组和常规西药组明显减少(P<0.05);(2)银质针组的疼痛分级指数评分、目测类比评分、现有疼痛强度评分、Oswestry功能障碍指数和下背痛功能障碍调查问卷评分均低于传统针灸组和常规西药组(P<0.05);(3)银质针组的多裂肌超声形态学各指标均优于传统针灸组和常规西药组(P<0.05);(4)银质针组的中医症候评分低于传统针灸组和常规西药组(P<0.05);(5)3组的临床疗效比较有显著差异(P<0.05)。结果表明:基于肌筋膜触发点理论应用银质针综合疗法能有效减轻腰椎间盘突出症患者疼痛,提高临床疗效,改善腰椎功能障碍和多裂肌形态。

腰椎间盘退变与椎旁肌改变的相关性及机制

,按照纳入和排除标准筛选文献,最终选取了68篇文献进行综述分析。结果与结论:①研究者们利用各种方法来评估椎旁肌的退变程度,同时按照Pfirrmann分级对腰椎间盘退变程度进行评估,发现临床诊疗中应关注性别差异,并重视肥胖等因素对腰椎间盘和肌肉退变的影响,以制定更加个体化的治疗方案。②腰椎间盘退变和椎旁肌肉脂肪浸润之间存在一定关联,但研究结果存在争议。多数研究发现,椎旁肌肉(尤其是多裂肌)的脂肪浸润与腰椎间盘退变程度呈正相关。③目前认为失用性萎缩、去神经机制及炎症因子3种机制可能相互作用,共同导致椎旁肌肉的结构和功能改变,这与腰椎间盘退变和腰痛的发生密切相关。④临床上应关注受累神经根节段以下一级肌肉的变化,有助于诊断和定位腰椎根神经病变。同时,抑制炎症因子可能成为治疗的潜在靶点。⑤临床工作中,首先应通过适当的药物或手术治疗纠正神经根压迫,以控制炎症反应和神经根疼痛,然后再进行针对性的肌肉康复训练。必要时考虑采用干扰电流电刺激等新型治疗方法来改善患者的症状和预后。

Effect of internal fixation and other methods alleviating low back pain caused by isthmic spondylolisthesis

AIM:To explore the long term therapeutic effects of surgical treatment for isthmic spondylolisthesis.METHODS:42 cases of isthmic spondylolisthesis were analyzed retrospectively among which 13 cases underwent simple lumbar interlaminar bone implant and 29 cases underwent transpedicular fixation combined with bone implantation.Assessment was made according to JOA standards before and after treatment.RESULTS:At a 3 years of follow up assessment,the functional outcome in transpedicular fixation assessed by JOA was excellent and good in 79.3%as compared with the group without fixation in which the excellent and good result was 76.9%.The level of pain and functional disability were similar in the two groups,but fusion rate in the group with transpedicular fixation was higher than that in group without it.CONCLUSION:Surgical treatment for isthmic spondylolisthesis improves function and relieves pain.

Meta-Analysis of Clinical Outcomes of Lumbar Fusion Surgical Interventions for Degenerative Spondylolisthesis

Introduction: Surgical interventions for degenerative spondylolisthesis are varied with comparable claims of success. Fusion based technique is one of the most commonly used surgical interventions in treating this condition. The aim of this meta-analysis is to compare the effectiveness of the Lumbar Interbody Fusion techniques (specifically Posterolateral Interbody approach—PLIF) versus Posterolateral Instrumented Fusion (PLF). The clinical outcomes investigated were: back pain, leg pain, function, Oswestery Disability Index (ODI), Disability Rating Index (DRI), fusion and revision rates if reported. Methods: Combinations of keywords and MeSH terms, where appropriate, were used to search for studies in Medline via Ovid, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Google scholar. The initial search was conducted on 10 August 2016 and updated on 13 June 2017. Eligibility criteria for the studies to be selected for this meta-analysis were: Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs), cohort and consecutive cases studies that compared at PLIF versus PLF surgical interventions at the lumbar region. Heterogeneity indicators and Forest plot were computed using RevMan 5. Results: Out of the initial hits of 3021, 5 articles were selected as relevant and assessed for risk of bias and then data was extracted and tabulated. These 5 studies reported data from (900 patients’ records, follow up ranges from 6 months to 5 years) undergone one of 2 interventions (PLIF or PLF). The overall effect for ODI and leg pain showed no advantage of any intervention over the other while there was a greater odd ratio of fusion if the operation applied PLIF techniques (Overall Z = 2.86, p = 0.004). Conclusions: There is a need for more high quality clinical trials to compare these two interventions. However, available data indicate that there are comparable results in the main clinical outcomes between PLIF and PLF. PLIF has superior fusion rate which does not seem to affect post-operative pain ratings.

Research the mechanism of Cinnamoni cortex-Aconm lateralis radixpraeparaia-Achtranthis bidentatae radix combination in treatment oflumbar disc herniation based on datamining and networkpharmacology

Background:This study gets a classic prescription of Song Dynasty medicine for the treatment of waist and leg pain through analyzing the inheritance of traditional Chinese medicine auxiliary platform.Further,the potential mechanism of the classic prescription was analyzed based on molecular docking and network pharmacology.Methods:Based on the frequency statistics,association rules and cluster analysis,the core herbal combination and the classic prescription was digged out.Use of network pharmacology methods and molecular docking to explore the pharmacological mechanism of classic prescriptions for treatment of lumbar disc herniation.Then gene ontology biological function annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment of pathways were performed.Finally,the compounds of herbs were docked with the important targets of MMP1 and CRP.Results:The high-frequency Chinese medicines for treating waist and leg pain were found and we further unearthed the“Rougui-Fuzi-Niuxi(Cinnamoni cortex-Aconm lateralis radix praeparaia-Achyranthis bidentatae radix”as the core herbal combination,and matched the classic ancient prescription of Chinese medicine Jiawei Shenzhuo decoction(CAPCMJWSZD).The targets of CAPCMJWSZD were mapped to the targets of lumbar disc herniation and 48 potential targets were obtained.The core potential targets were obtained in the protein-protein interaction network,such as CRP,IL2,FOS,MMP1,CASP3.Through the DAVID database,a total of 129 gene ontology function annotation terms(P<0.01)and 91 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways(P<0.01)were obtained.Molecular docking results showed that quercetin has the lowest binding energy for docking with MMP1and CRP,and these two methods of molecular docking are most likely to occur.Conclusion:The most important bioactive components in CAPCMJWSZD can eliminate inflammation and slow disc degeneration through some potential targets,such as CRP,IL-2,MMP1,and these targets can rich in the following pathways,such as metalloendopeptidase activity,MAP kinase activity,osteoclast differentiation,et al.

Correlation of lumbar lateral recess stenosis in magnetic resonance imaging and clinical symptoms

AIM To assess the correlation of lateral recess stenosis(LRS) of lumbar segments L4/5 and L5/S1 and the Oswestry Disability Index(ODI).METHODS Nine hundred and twenty-seven patients with history of low back pain were included in this uncontrolled study.On magnetic resonance images(MRI) the lateral recesses(LR) at lumbar levels L4/5 and L5/S1 were evaluated and each nerve root was classified into a 4-point grading scale(Grade 0-3) as normal,not deviated,deviated or compressed.Patient symptoms and disability were assessed using ODI.The Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used for statistical analysis(P < 0.05).RESULTS Approximately half of the LR revealed stenosis(grade 1-3;52% at level L4/5 and 42% at level L5/S1) with 2.2% and 1.9% respectively reveal a nerve root compression.The ODI score ranged from 0%-91.11% with an arithmetic mean of 34.06% ± 16.89%.We observed a very weak statistically significant positive correlation between ODI and LRS at lumbar levels L4/5 and L5/S1,each bilaterally(L4/5 left:rho < 0.105,P < 0.01;L4/5 right:rho < 0.111,P < 0.01;L5/S1 left:rho 0.128,P < 0.01;L5/S1 right:rho < 0.157,P < 0.001).CONCLUSION Although MRI is the standard imaging tool for diagnosing lumbar spinal stenosis,this study showed only a weak correlation of LRS on MRI and clinical findings.This can be attributed to a number of reasons outlined in this study,underlining that imaging findings alone are not sufficient to establish a reliable diagnosis for patients with LRS.

Comparative effectiveness research on incision healing after lumbar spinal surgery with different TDP irradiation durations

Objective: This research aims to investigate the best "Te Ding Dian Ci Bo Pu Zhi Liao Qi"(TDP) irradiation duration to enhance the efficacy of nursing and patient satisfaction.Methods: A total of 34 eligible patients were randomly divided into the treatment group(n=18) and the control group(n=16) between December 2015 and December 2016. Qualitative and quantitative studies were combined to create an impersonal evaluation of incision pain score, time of stitches removal, duration of hospital stays, patient satisfaction, and subjective experience due to different TDP irradiation durations.Results: The incision pain scores of the treatment group were 3.06±0.899 and 1.35±0.493 before and after treatment, respectively(P< 0.05), whereas those of the control group were 2.46±1.127 and 1.0±0.707 before and after treatment, respectively(P<0.05).No significant difference was found between the treatment group and the control groupup(P>0.05). The time of stitches removal and the duration of hospital stays of the treatment group were 14.85±4.070 and 19.08±6.652, respectively, whereas those of the control group were 14.08±0.641 and 23.15±10.72(P>0.05), respectively. The patient satisfaction degree score of the treatment group was2.77±0.439, whereas that of the control group was 2.08±0.954(P< 0.05).Conclusions: TDP irradiation can effectively relieve the incision pain of patients after lumbar spinal surgery. The treatment group is superior to the control group in patient satisfaction.

Combining Posterolateral Lumbar Fusion and Posterior Lumber Interbody Fusion Surgery for Treating Three-Level Lumber Spondylolysis and Single-Level Spondylolisthesis: Case Report

Lumbar spondylolysis is a relatively common condition that can cause a variety of clinical manifestations related to the lumbar spine. However, multi-level lumbar spondylolysis is rare and accounts for less than 6% of lumbar spondylolysis. We report a case of three-level lumbar spondylolysis with single-level spondylolisthesis. A 47-year-old woman presented to us with low back pain for 9 years that progressively worsened and the pain was exacerbated with standing and walking. She was diagnosed with three-level lumbar spondylolysis at L3-5 and spondylolisthesis at L4. We performed posterolateral lumber fusion (PLF) and posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) surgery for her. During the same period, pain recovery and fusion rate of the patient were evaluated after surgery. The results were favorable and proved the efficacy of combining PLF and PLIF technique for treatment for three-level lumbar spondylolysis and single-level spondylolisthesis.

Potential sex differences in activation of pain-related brain regions in nonhuman primates with a unilateral spinal nerve ligation

The lack of truly robust analgesics for chronic pain is owed,in part,to the lack of an animal model that reflects the clinical pain state and of a mechanismbased,objective neurological indicator of pain.The present study examined stimulus-evo ked brain activation with functional magnetic resonance imaging in male and female cynomolgus macaques following unilateral L7 spinal nerve ligation and the effects of clinical analgesics pregabalin,duloxetine,and morphine on brain activation in these macaques.A modified straight leg raise test was used to assess pain severity in awake animals and to evo ke regional brain activation in anesthetized animals.The potential effects of clinical analgesics on both awake pain behavior and regional brain activation were examined.Following spinal nerve ligation,both male and female macaques showed significantly decreased ipsilateral straight leg raise thresholds,suggesting the presence of radicula rlike pain.Morphine treatment increased straight leg raise thresholds in both males and females whereas duloxetine and pregabalin did not.In male macaques,the ipsilateral straight leg raise activated contralateral insular and somatosensory cortex(Ins/SII),and thalamus.In female macaques,the ipsilateral leg raise activated cingulate cortex and contralateral insular and somatosensory cortex.Straight leg raises of the contralateral,unligated leg did not evoke brain activation.Morphine reduced activation in all brain regions in both male and female macaques.In males,neither pregabalin nor duloxetine decreased brain activation compared with vehicle treatment.In females,however,pregabalin and duloxetine decreased the activation of cingulate cortex compared with vehicle treatment.The current findings suggest a diffe rential activation of brain areas depending on sex following a peripheral nerve injury.Diffe rential brain activation observed in this study could underlie qualitative sexual dimorphism in clinical chronic pain perception and responses to analgesics.Future pain management approaches for neuropathic pain will need to consider potential sex differences in pain mechanism and treatment efficacy.

Invasive myxopapillary ependymoma of the lumbar spine: A case report

BACKGROUND Myxopapillary ependymomas are rare spinal tumours.Although histologically benign,they have a tendency for local recurrence.CASE SUMMARY We describe a patient suffering from extra-and intradural myxopapillary ependymoma with perisacral spreading.He was treated with subtotal resection and postoperative radiation therapy.After treatment,he experienced slight sphincter disorders and lumboischialgic pain with no motor or sensory disturbances.Eight months later,a tumour regression was documented.The patient is still followed-up regularly.CONCLUSION Lumbar myxopapillary ependymomas may present with lumbar or radicular pain,similar to more trivial lesions.Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)is the primary modality for diagnosis.The treatment aim is to minimize both tumour and therapy-related morbidity and to involve different treatment modalities.

单侧双通道内镜下腰椎椎体间融合对椎旁肌肉的影响

背景:随着单侧双通道内镜技术的发展,内镜下进行腰椎融合手术越发成为脊柱外科的发展趋势。单侧双通道内镜下经椎间孔腰椎融合在腰椎管狭窄、腰椎滑脱等腰椎退行性疾病中可能具有更好的保护椎旁肌肉、减少术中出血量等优势,有待进一步研究。目的:比较单侧双通道内镜下经椎间孔腰椎椎体间融合与传统开放性经椎间孔腰椎椎体间融合治疗对于椎旁肌肉的影响。方法:回顾性分析2019年10月至2022年11月就诊于苏州大学附属第二医院脊柱外科并接受单节段单侧减压融合治疗的60例患者的临床资料,按照术式分为2组,A组进行单侧双通道内镜下经椎间孔腰椎椎体间融合治疗,B组进行传统开放性经椎间孔腰椎椎体间融合治疗。所有患者在术前、术后3个月均行MRI检查;收集患者基本信息、末次随访时间、MRI图像、腰部和腿部疼痛目测类比评分及Oswestry功能障碍指数。结果与结论:①A组术后3个月双侧多裂肌横截面积显著大于B组(P<0.05),且脂肪浸润程度更低(P<0.01);②两组术后3个月双侧竖脊肌横截面积及脂肪浸润程度均无明显差异(P>0.05);③提示单侧双通道内镜下经椎间孔腰椎椎体间融合组较开放性经椎间孔腰椎椎体间融合组可更有效地起到多裂肌保护作用,减少多裂肌肌肉萎缩及脂肪浸润;两种术式对竖脊肌均未产生明显影响。

Acupuncture Treatment in Patients with Low Back Pain

Low back pain is the most common medical problem and very commonly treated condition with acupuncture today. The pain can arise from muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones or intervertebral discs. The pain is usually in the lower back region, gluteal region with or without radiation in the legs, with muscle tension and stiffness, limited movement or sometimes tingling and burning sensation. In the term of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), pain appears if there is no good Blood and Qi flow in the body. Pain caused by Qi stagnation usually appears due to strong emotional and mental changes and stress. In this research, we included 60 patients, 28 males and 32 females, on age from 18 to 88, all treated with acupuncture for low back pain. All patients were cured with certain number of treatments. Most of the patients needed less than 5 treatments. Treatments were made with normal and fire needle and combined. The best results were achieved with fire needle acupuncture treatment. In the treatment, we used local Ashi i.e. trigger points and meridian points: BL24 (QiHaiSu), BL25 (DaChangShu), BL26 (GuanYanShu), BL27 (XioChangShu), BL28 (PangGuangShu), GB30 (HuanTiao), BL40 (WeiZhong), BL57 (ChengShen), GB37 (GuanMing) and BL60 (KunKun). Acupuncture as a treatment for low back pain is a very effective treatment giving very satisfying and positive results in a short time of period. The percentage of cured patients (relieved of the symptoms) is 100% which is a clear indicator of the success of acupuncture in the treatment of low back pain.