Imaging and Management Insights for Lumbar Disc Herniation and Radicular Syndrome

Imaging Features and Early Outcomes: Research has shown that the characteristics of lumbar disc herniation on imaging can predict the early outcomes of conservative management. Saal et al. (1990) found that the largest extrusions showed the most resorption, while contained protrusions had the least. Similar findings were reported by Delauche-Cavallier (1992), Maigne (1992), Bush (1992), and Cowan (1992), who noted that young patients often exhibited … Continue reading Imaging and Management Insights for Lumbar Disc Herniation and Radicular Syndrome

Are Lumbar Spine Imaging Findings Linked to Patients’ Symptoms?

Determining whether a specific lesion is responsible for a patient’s symptoms is crucial when selecting candidates for potential spinal surgery. However, there isn’t always a direct correlation between radicular pain and lumbar disc herniation. One can exist without the other, making diagnosis complex. Both mechanical compression and inflammatory factors contribute to the pathogenesis of sciatica. Additionally, non-radicular or pseudoradicular pain can originate from the hip, … Continue reading Are Lumbar Spine Imaging Findings Linked to Patients’ Symptoms?

Unraveling the Enigma: Rare Brown-Sequard Syndrome Arising from Cervical Disc Herniation

Brown-Sequard Syndrome, as delineated in 1849 by Brown-Se´quard CE, emanates from trauma inflicted upon the anatomical hemicord. This trauma precipitates disruption of the descending lateral corticospinal tracts, the ascending dorsal columns (both of which decussate in the medulla), and the ascending lateral spinothalamic tracts, which intersect within one or two levels of the dorsal root entry. While total hemisection, evoking the hallmark clinical features of … Continue reading Unraveling the Enigma: Rare Brown-Sequard Syndrome Arising from Cervical Disc Herniation

Neurological bedside examination: accuracy in lumbo-sacral radiculopathy

In Western industrialised countries, low-back pain (LBP) is a common cause of disability. Although many people have at least one episode of low-back pain throughout their lives, no identifiable disease is found in up to 85% of patients (Deyo et al. 1992). Low back-related leg pain, which accounts for 23% to 57% of all LBP cases (Scharfer A, et al. 2007). In patients who report … Continue reading Neurological bedside examination: accuracy in lumbo-sacral radiculopathy

Neurodynamic Assessment

A neurodynamic test checks the length, mobility and mechanical sensitivity of the neurological tissues (1). For a neurodynamic test to be positive, the limb/joint positioning sequence should reproduce the patient’s symptoms associated with radiculopathy along with/without a measurable asymmetry between left and right sides. A positive neurodynamic test indicates multiple pathogeneses, which may include increased tension in the dura mater and the nerves, compression on … Continue reading Neurodynamic Assessment