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Anesthesiology 2002 Sep;97(3):565-73
Clinical Site Administration, Analgesia Department, SCIREX Corporation, Austin, Texas, USA.
BACKGROUND: The trend toward day-case surgery, with discharge on oral medication, has highlighted the need for effective and safe analgesics that facilitate a rapid recovery and discharge time. This study evaluated the analgesic efficacy, dose dependency, duration of action, and safety of the cyclooxygenase-2 specific inhibitor, valdecoxib, administered before oral or orthopedic surgery. METHODS: Eligible healthy adult patients were scheduled to undergo either extraction of two impacted third molar teeth (n = 284) or bunionectomy surgery (n = 223) with local anesthesia in two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies conducted at three centers in the United States. Patients received a single, preoperatively administered oral dose of placebo or 10 (oral surgery only), 20, 40, or 80 mg valdecoxib. Analgesic efficacy was assessed postoperatively, over a 24-h treatment period, or until the patient required rescue medication. Efficacy measures included time to rescue medication, proportion of patients requiring such rescue, pain intensity, and the Patient's Global Evaluation of Study Medication. RESULTS: In both studies, all doses of valdecoxib produced analgesia with a duration (time to rescue analgesia) and magnitude (Pain Intensity, Patient's Global Evaluation) significantly greater than placebo. A dose-dependent effect was observed up to 40 mg valdecoxib, with an 80-mg dose providing no additional analgesic benefit. In both models, all doses of valdecoxib were well tolerated, with no clinically significant treatment-related gastrointestinal, renal, or platelet-derived adverse events, and no evidence of a dose-related increase in adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative orally administered valdecoxib provides well-tolerated and effective analgesia for mild to moderate postoperative pain.
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PMID: 12218521, UI: 22205751
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Anesthesiology 2002 Sep;97(3):560-4
Laboratory of Pain Physiology, and Multidisciplinary Pain Unit, Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Herlev University Hospital, Denmark. jedi@herlevhosp.kbhamt.dk
BACKGROUND: The anticonvulsant gabapentin has proven effective for neuropathic pain in three large placebo-controlled clinical trials. Experimental and clinical studies have demonstrated antihyperalgesic effects in models involving central neuronal sensitization. It has been suggested that central neuronal sensitization may play an important role in postoperative pain. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of gabapentin on morphine consumption and postoperative pain in patients undergoing radical mastectomy. METHODS: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 70 patients received a single dose of oral gabapentin (1,200 mg) or placebo 1 h before surgery. Patients received patient-controlled analgesia with morphine at doses of 2.5 mg with a lock-out time of 10 min for 4 h postoperatively. Pain was assessed on a visual analog scale at rest and during movement, and side effects were assessed on a four-point verbal scale 2 and 4 h postoperatively. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients in the gabapentin group and 34 patients in the placebo group completed the study. Gabapentin reduced total morphine consumption from a median of 29 (interquartile range, 21-33) to 15 (10-19) mg (P< 0.0001). Pain during movement was reduced from 41 (31-59) to 22 (10-38) mm at 2 h postoperatively (P < 0.0001) and from 31 (12-40) to 9 (3-34) mm at 4 h postoperatively (P = 0.018). No significant differences between groups were observed with regard to pain at rest or side effects. CONCLUSION: A single dose of 1,200 mg oral gabapentin resulted in a substantial reduction in postoperative morphine consumption and movement-related pain after radical mastectomy, without significant side effects. These promising results should be validated in other acute pain models involving central neuronal sensitization.
PMID: 12218520, UI: 22205750
Anesthesiology 2002 Sep;97(3):535-7
PMID: 12218516, UI: 22205746
Anesthesiology 2002 Aug;97(2):525; discussion 526
PMID: 12151954, UI: 22145676
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BMJ 2002 Sep 7;325(7363):534-7
PMID: 12217996, UI: 22205914
Br J Anaesth 2002 Jun;88(6):803-8
Department of Anaesthesiology, University Hospital of Oulu, PO Box 5000, FIN-90014, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.
BACKGROUND: Experimental studies suggest pre-emptive administration of analgesics is effective but clinical evidence is less convincing. METHODS: Forty-one patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy were allocated randomly in a double-blind fashion to receive sufentanil 50 micrograms via a lumbar epidural catheter before or at the end of surgery. RESULTS: Sufentanil consumption from a patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) system and numerical pain scores at rest and during movement over the initial 72 h were similar in the two groups. When the study period was divided into five time intervals, sufentanil consumption in the pre-emptive group was significantly less than in the control group between 8 and 16 h after surgery (P = 0.04). Furthermore, the number of failed bolus attempts from the PCEA device was significantly lower and patient satisfaction was significantly better in the pre-emptive group during the 72 h of PCEA treatment (P < 0.05). In addition, the median decrease in ACTH and cortisol on the first postoperative morning relative to baseline values was greater in the pre-emptive group than in the control group (P < 0.05). In subjects who had a Pfannenstiel incision, touch and pain sensitivity in the wound area were less in the pre-emptive group over the first 4 postoperative days (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that pre-emptive analgesia with epidural sufentanil was associated with a short-term sufentanil-sparing effect, and could have reduced stress hormone responses and wound sensitization after abdominal hysterectomy.
PMID: 12173197, UI: 22163533
Br J Anaesth 2002 Jun;88(6):790-6
Department of Anaesthesiology, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 110, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
BACKGROUND: In children, sevoflurane anaesthesia is associated with postanaesthetic agitation, which is treated mainly with opioids. We compared the effectiveness of epidural and i.v. clonidine in the prevention of this postanaesthetic agitation. METHODS: Eighty children aged 3-8 yr (ASA I-II) received standardized general anaesthesia with inhaled sevoflurane and caudal epidural block with 0.175% bupivacaine 1 ml kg-1 for minor surgery. The children were assigned randomly to four groups: (I) clonidine 1 microgram kg-1 added to caudal bupivacaine; (II) clonidine 3 micrograms kg-1 added to caudal bupivacaine; (III) clonidine 3 micrograms kg-1 i.v. and caudal bupivacaine; and (IV) caudal block with bupivacaine, no clonidine (control). A blinded observer assessed the behaviour of the children during the first postoperative hour. Secondary end-points were the time to fitness for discharge from the postanaesthesia care unit, and haemodynamic and respiratory variables. RESULTS: The incidence of agitation was 22, 0, 5 and 39% in groups I, II, III and IV respectively (P < 0.05 for groups II and III compared with group IV). During the first hour after surgery, patients in groups II and III had significantly lower scores for agitation than group IV patients. Time to fitness for discharge did not differ between the four groups. CONCLUSIONS: Clonidine 3 micrograms kg-1 prevented agitation after sevoflurane anaesthesia, independently of the route of administration. The effect of clonidine appears to be dose-dependent, as an epidural dose of 1 microgram kg-1 failed to reduce it.
PMID: 12173195, UI: 22163531
Clin J Pain 2002 Sep-Oct;18(5):317-23
[Medline record in process]
OBJECTIVE The aim of this prospective, controlled study was to evaluate the risk factors for postoperative emesis in patients undergoing gynecologic surgery and receiving patient-controlled analgesia for three days.METHODS Six hundred twenty-five gynecologic patients with an American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status of I to III undergoing lower-abdominal surgeries were enrolled. A standard, general anesthetic technique was used. Postoperative pain was treated by a patient-controlled analgesia device with bolus intravenous doses of 1 mg morphine. For 3 days after surgery patients were assessed for occurrence of emesis, sedation, and pain intensity when at rest and during movement.RESULTS The incidence of emesis was 26% on postoperative day 1, 13% on day 2, and 4% on day 3. On all 3 days, patients' pain scores when at rest and when coughing were higher for those with emesis than for those without. During the first 2 postoperative days the patients with and those without emesis consumed similar amounts of morphine daily, but on the third day the patients with emesis consumed significantly more morphine than did those without emesis ( <0.05). Further logistic regression analysis showed that incident pain was the main risk factor for postoperative emesis on all 3 days.CONCLUSIONS The results suggested that postoperative pain was an associative risk factor to increase the incidence of emesis in these female patients.
PMID: 12218503, UI: 22206118
Clin J Pain 2002 Sep-Oct;18(5):310-6
DESIGN The authors reviewed the available pediatric pain literature and selected those studies that reported quantitative information on the reliability and validity of, and the optimal cutoff points for, the visual analog scale (VAS) when used as an observational pediatric pain tool.RESULTS Available psychometric findings concerning the observational VAS (VAS ) are limited. The estimated interrater reliability of the VAS from 9 studies ranged from 0.36 to 0.91. The correlation between self-report and the VAS was variable and ranged 0.23 to 0.83 in 6 studies. The concurrent validity of the VAS and other pain instruments ranged from 0.42 to 0.86.(obs) (obs) (obs) (obs)CONCLUSIONS Further psychometric testing needs to be conducted on intraobserver reliability, responsiveness, and optimal cutoff points. Future research may guide the choice between VAS and the numerous behavioral pain instruments.(obs)
PMID: 12218502, UI: 22206117
Clin J Pain 2002 Sep-Oct;18(5):302-9
OBJECTIVES The aim of the present study was to evaluate the contribution of individual spa therapies administered during a period of 3 weeks on measures of well being and pain in a sample of patients with chronic back pain.DESIGN One hundred fifty-three patients with chronic back pain undergoing inpatient spa therapy in Bad Tatzmannsdorf, Austria, participated in the study. According to the prescription of their spa physician, patients underwent two or more of the following treatments: mud packs, carbon dioxide baths, massages, exercise therapies, spinal traction, and electrotherapy. The outcome measures were general pain, back pain, negative mood, and health satisfaction. Regression analyses were conducted to predict the 4 outcome measures at the end of spa therapy and at 6 weeks' follow-up for all therapies applied. The pretreatment outcome measure, age, and sex were controlled for by entering them into the analysis.RESULTS Patients showed significant improvements in all 4 outcome measures. The prediction of improvement was generally small: only 1% to 11% of the change of the outcome measures could be explained by the type and number of therapies received. On a short-term basis, mud packs and exercise were found to be associated with a greater improvement in mood, whereas a greater frequency of massage therapy and carbon dioxide baths was associated with a smaller improvement in health satisfaction. On a long-term basis, exercise therapy and spinal traction were associated with a greater reduction in back pain.CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that, in addition to the individual therapies, other factors relating to spa therapy as a whole must contribute to overall treatment outcome. In addition, the results support the efficacy of exercise therapy for chronic back pain.
PMID: 12218501, UI: 22206116
Clin J Pain 2002 Sep-Oct;18(5):297-301
BACKGROUND Several controlled clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of the lidocaine patch 5% (LP) for the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).OBJECTIVE To assess the effects of the LP on distinct neuropathic pain qualities common to all neuropathic pain conditions, the authors analyzed data from one of the vehicle-controlled trials in which the Neuropathic Pain Scale (NPS), the only assessment tool specifically designed to measure the distinct components of neuropathic pain, was administered.METHODS AND RESULTS To improve the sensitivity of the NPS to treatment effects, only patients who, at the time of enrollment in the study, reported moderate-to-severe pain on the NPS (as defined by a score >/=4/10 reported for at least 6 of the 10 individual NPS items) were included in the analysis. Thus, 96 patients were included in this analysis. After a 3-week, vehicle-controlled study, LP improved all assessed pain qualities to a greater extent than the placebo patch, as measured by the NPS 10, a sum score including all 10 NPS item scores ( = 0.043), and an NPS 8 score, which included scores for all 8 pain descriptors, excluding "unpleasantness" and "global intensity" ( = 0.042). Separate analysis of all 8 items believed not to reflect allodynia (NPS NA; excluding "skin sensitivity" and "surface pain") also demonstrated superiority ( = 0.022), as did analysis of the subitems that are believed not to be primarily related to peripheral pathophysiological events (the "NPS 4": "sharp," "hot," "dull," and "deep" pains; = 0.013).CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that LP reduces the intensity of all common neuropathic pain qualities and thus may be of potential benefit for nonallodynic neuropathic pain states. Furthermore, these findings suggest that peripheral mechanisms may play a role in the pathophysiological development of pain qualities that heretofore have been assumed not to involve peripheral mechanisms, such as "dull," "deep," "sharp," and "burning" pains.
PMID: 12218500, UI: 22206115
Clin J Pain 2002 Sep-Oct;18(5):286-96
OBJECTIVE This study examined the relation between level of educational achievement (LOE) and the clinical morbidity associated with chronic pain.SETTING A multidisciplinary pain rehabilitation program located within a university hospital.PATIENTS Two hundred ninety-nine consecutive patients with chronic spinal pain, average age 39.6 years (SD = 10.7) and with an average duration of pain of 41.9 months (SD = 51.6).OUTCOME MEASURES Age, duration of pain, sex, and compensation and litigation status were controlled for in the statistical analysis because each was found to be significantly associated with LOE. Pain intensity was assessed by the McGill Pain Questionnaire. Affective distress was assessed by the Global Severity Index from the Brief Symptom Inventory. Severity of depressive symptoms was derived from scores from the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale. Pain beliefs and pain coping strategies were assessed by the Survey of Pain Attitudes and the Coping Strategies Questionnaire, respectively. Finally, self-report of pain-related disability was assessed by the Pain Disability Index.RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS After controlling for relevant covariates, LOE was unrelated to pain intensity, severity of depressive symptoms, or affective distress, but was inversely related to self-reported disability. Persons with lower LOEs possessed a greater belief that pain is a "signal of harm," unrelated to emotional experience, disabling and uncontrollable. They also endorsed more passive and maladaptive coping strategies, including a tendency to catastrophize about their pain. Path analysis indicated that, after controlling for the influence of both the belief that pain is a "signal of harm" and catastrophizing on the association between LOE and disability, this relation loses statistical significance. These results suggest that pain-related cognitions mediate the relation between LOE and pain disability and that persons with lower LOEs are more likely to develop maladaptive pain beliefs and coping strategies.
PMID: 12218499, UI: 22206114
Clin J Pain 2002 Sep-Oct;18(5):282-5
BACKGROUND Phantom limb pain is an intriguing pain syndrome that may result from damage to peripheral nerve tissue but could also involve central amplifying congeners. -methyl->d-aspartate (NMDA)-receptor antagonists were recently shown to alleviate neuropathic pain in both animal and human models. Dextromethorphan is a noncompetitive NMDA-receptor antagonist.STUDY DESIGN Oral dextromethorphan (120-180 mg daily) was administered to three selected cancer patients during a 3-week study and an additional 1 month of treatment with the dosage subjectively judged to be best.RESULTS Oral dextromethorphan effectively reduced postamputation phantom limb pain, bestowing improvement in feeling and minimizing sedation in comparison with the pretreatment or placebo conditions, with no side effects. Pain recurred in one patient 1 month after treatment was stopped.CONCLUSIONS Further clinical trials are warranted to determine the optimal dosage and identify which patients with phantom pain would benefit the most from this therapeutic approach.
PMID: 12218498, UI: 22206113
Clin J Pain 2002 Sep-Oct;18(5):275-81
OBJECTIVE Chronic pain is prevalent in many Western countries. Its prevalence in a non-Caucasian population is not known. The authors performed this study to measure the prevalence of chronic pain in the Hong Kong Chinese adult population, as well as the pattern of pain and the demographic characteristics, the impact on social and work function, and the help-seeking behavior of those with pain.DESIGN Cross-sectional survey using telephone interview with a structured questionnaire. Chronic pain was defined as pain persisting for more than 3 months.SUBJECTS A random sample of over 1,000 persons out of the entire Chinese adult population of Hong Kong.RESULTS One thousand fifty-one adults were interviewed. One hundred thirteen (10.8% [95% C.I.: 8.9%-12.7%]) had chronic pain. The median number of pains was two. Of those with chronic pain, 38.3% reported their work was affected, and 19.8% had taken a median of 5 days' sick leave in the past year; 70.8% said the pain had interfered with their daily life, 88.5% had tried self-treatment, and 74.3% had sought medical advice. Only 35.7% considered the treatment definitely helpful. Two risk factors were identified: the female gender (O.R. 1.5, 95% C.I. 1.0-2.3) and age greater than 60 (O.R. 2.2, 95% C.I. 1.3-3.6).CONCLUSIONS The study showed that the prevalence of chronic pain in Hong Kong adults was approximately 10.8%. Work and daily life are significantly affected and there is considerable demand on the health care system. Despite the ethnic difference, the prevalence, pattern, and demographic characteristics of chronic pain in Hong Kong are very similar to those seen in Western countries.
PMID: 12218497, UI: 22206112
Clin J Pain 2002 May-Jun;18(3):200-2
The Pain Management Centre, The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London Hospitals NHS Trust, London, UK.
BACKGROUND: Postherpetic neuralgia remains a difficult problem to treat. A number of therapies have been shown to be effective, but some patients have intractable pain. PATIENT: The case of a 76-year-old woman whose pain had been resistant to standard therapies is described. The pattern of quantitative sensory testing results for this patient led the authors to believe that she had an "irritable nociceptor" type of pathophysiology. INTERVENTION: The patient was instructed to apply neat peppermint oil (containing 10% menthol) to her skin, resulting in an almost immediate improvement in her pain. This pain relief persisted for 4-6 hours after application of the oil. RESULTS: The patient was successfully treated with topical peppermint oil. During 2 months of follow-up she has had only a minor side effect, with continuing analgesia. The authors believe this is the first evidence of peppermint oil (or menthol) having a strong analgesic effect on neuropathic pain. The possible mechanisms of action of peppermint oil are discussed.
PMID: 12048423, UI: 22042972
Clin J Pain 2002 May-Jun;18(3):144-8
Western Australian Pain Management Centre, Department of Anesthesia, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Western Australia, Australia. lindyr@cyllene.uwa.edu.au
OBJECTIVE: Sexual dysfunction and low testosterone levels have been observed previously in males with chronic noncancer pain treated with intrathecal opioids. To investigate the hypothesis that intrathecal opioids suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, a prospective nonrandomized investigation of the function of this axis was undertaken. DESIGN: Ten males with chronic noncancer pain were evaluated for clinical and biochemical evidence of hypogonadism at baseline and during the first twelve weeks of intrathecal opioid therapy. RESULTS: Intrathecal opioid administration resulted in a significant (p <0.0001) reduction in serum testosterone, from 7.7 +/- 1.1 (mean +/- SEM) nmol/L at baseline to 2.0 +/- 0.7, 2.8 +/- 0.5, and 4.0 +/- 0.9 nmol/L at 1, 4, and 12 weeks, respectively. This was associated with a reduction in libido and potency. Luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone levels remained within reference ranges, indicating central rather than peripheral suppression. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of intrathecal opioids may result in hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism. As part of the consent for therapy process, patients should be informed about this effect and its management. With long-term intrathecal opioid administration, the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis should be monitored. Where indicated, testosterone replacement should be undertaken to improve sexual function and prevent the potential metabolic effects of hypogonadism, in particular, osteoporosis.
PMID: 12048415, UI: 22042964
Clin Orthop 2002 Sep;(402):288-91, 299-301
PMID: 12218495, UI: 22206148
J Pain Symptom Manage 2002 Jul;24(1):8-11
PMID: 12183088, UI: 22170978
J Pain Symptom Manage 2002 Jul;24(1):6-8
PMID: 12183087, UI: 22170977
Neurology 2002 Sep 10;59(5):775-7
Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Previous research suggests that response times for imagined movements provide a sensitive measure of the integrity of the motor system. In a group of 12 patients with chronic unilateral arm pain, the authors demonstrate that response times for imagined movements are influenced by the severity of pain. Simulated large-amplitude arm movements were slower for the painful as compared with the unaffected arms before, but not after, effective music therapy entrainment, suggesting that mental representations of movement are influenced by the current state of nociceptive feedback.
PMID: 12221179, UI: 22209816
Neurology 2002 Sep 10;59(5 Suppl 2):S18-24
Center for Pain and Palliative Medicine, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, Suite 0924, La Jolla, CA 92093-0924, USA. mswallace@ucsd.edu
Intraspinal drug delivery represents an important treatment option for the management of chronic pain. Selection of candidates for this type of therapy requires careful evaluation of the patient, possibly including psychological screening. Although determining the efficacy of long-term intraspinal drug therapy has been challenging, several classes of agents have been identified to provide benefits in patients with a variety of pain types. Such agents include opioids, alpha(2)-agonists, sodium channel antagonists, and gamma-aminobutyric acid agonists. In addition, combinations of agents with distinct mechanisms of action may be therapeutically advantageous because many clinical pain states result from more than one mechanism.
PMID: 12221152, UI: 22209789
Neurology 2002 Sep 10;59(5 Suppl 2):S14-7
Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Room H6/574, 600 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53792-5132, USA. backonja@neurology.wisc.edu
Emerging evidence from animal models of neuropathic pain suggests that many pathophysiologic and biochemical changes occur in the peripheral and central nervous system. Similarities between the pathophysiologic phenomena observed in some epilepsy models and in neuropathic pain models justify the use of anticonvulsants in the symptomatic management of neuropathic pain. Positive results from laboratory and clinical trials further support such use. Carbamazepine was the first of this class of drugs to be studied in clinical trials and has been longest in use for treatment of neuropathic pain. Clinical trial data support its use in treating trigeminal neuralgia, but data for treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy are less convincing. Use of newer anticonvulsants has marked a new era in the treatment of neuropathic pain. Gabapentin has demonstrated efficacy, specifically in painful diabetic neuropathy and postherpetic neuralgia. Lamotrigine has been reported to be effective in relieving pain from trigeminal neuralgia refractory to other treatments, HIV neuropathy, and central post-stroke pain. Results from clinical trials of phenytoin are equivocal. Zonisamide's mechanisms of action suggest that it would be effective in controlling neuropathic pain symptoms. Other anticonvulsants, including lorazepam, valproate, topiramate, and tiagabine, have also been under investigation. Anecdotal experience provides support for studies with oxcarbazepine and levetiracetam for treating neuropathic pain. Evidence supporting the efficacy of anticonvulsants in treatment of such pain is evolving. Additional clinical trials should provide information that will better define their role in neuropathic pain.
PMID: 12221151, UI: 22209788
Neurology 2002 Sep 10;59(5 Suppl 2):S2-7
Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
Transmission of pain from the periphery to the cortex depends on integration and signal processing within the spinal cord, brainstem, and forebrain. Sensitization, a component of persistent or chronic pain, may develop either through peripheral mechanisms or as a consequence of altered physiology in the spinal cord or forebrain. Several molecular and biophysical mechanisms contribute to the phenomenon of sensitization and persistent pain, including upregulation of sensory neuron-specific sodium channels and vanilloid receptors, phenotypic switching of large myelinated axons, sprouting within the dorsal horn, and loss of inhibitory neurons due to apoptotic cell death. Recently, forebrain structures have been implicated in the pathophysiology of persistent pain. Although a number of treatment options are used, unfortunately pharmacotherapy for neuropathic pain is often ineffective. Unraveling the mysteries of chronic pain may lead to better treatment options, such as drugs that act specifically on sensory neuron-specific sodium channels or as NR2B-subunit-selective N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists.
PMID: 12221149, UI: 22209786
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Neurology 2002 Aug 13;59(3):461
Department of Neurology T33, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA. rozent@ccf.org
PMID: 12177389, UI: 22167135
Spine 2002 Sep 1;27(17):E388-95
University of Ulster, Rehabilitation Sciences Research Group, Newtownabbey, County Antrim, Northern Ireland.
STUDY DESIGN: A systematic review. OBJECTIVES: This systematic review sought papers (January 1989-January 2000) on the passive straight leg raising test (PSLR) as a diagnostic component for low back pain (LBP) to identify, summarize, and assess developments in the test procedure, the factors influencing PSLR outcome, and the clinical significance of that outcome. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Previous studies suggested that the PSLR tractioned the sciatic nerve and that diminished leg elevation with reproduced pain indicated low lumbar intervertebral disc pathology. METHODS: Searches on six computerized bibliographic databases identified publications written about the PSLR. Papers were excluded if they were published before January 1989, were non-English language papers, or employed either an active SLR or a PSLR for purposes other than LBP diagnosis. The references of qualifying papers (and the references of references) were searched. Contact with primary authors, and others known to be active in this field, was attempted. RESULTS: The PSLR procedure remains unchanged. The influence of hip rotation during the PSLR was discussed without consensus. Biomechanical devices improved intra- and interobserver reliability and so increased test reproducibility. Hamstrings were found to have a defensive role in protecting nerve roots by limiting PSLR range in cases of nerve root inflammation. A small diurnal variation in the PSLR may imply a poorer prognosis. A positive PSLR at 4 months after lumbar intervertebral disc surgery predicted poor reoperative outcome, and a negative 4-month PSLR predicted excellent outcome. The influence of psychosocial factors was not discussed, neither was the diagnostic significance of a negative PSLR outcome. CONCLUSIONS: There remains no standard PSLR procedure, no consensus on interpretation of results, and little recognition that a negative PSLR test outcome may be of greater diagnostic value than a positive one. The causal link between LBP pathology and hamstring action remains unclear. There is a need for research into the clinical use of the PSLR; its intra- and interobserver reliability; the influences of age, gender, diurnal variation, and psychosocial factors; and its predictive value in lumbar intervertebral disc surgery.
PMID: 12221373, UI: 22210183
Spine 2002 Sep 1;27(17):1896-910
Institute for Work & Health, Toronto, Canada. afurlan@iwh.on.ca
BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common and costly musculoskeletal problems in modern society. Proponents of massage therapy claim it can minimize pain and disability and speed return-to-normal function. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of massage therapy for nonspecific LBP. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, HealthSTAR, CINAHL, and dissertation abstracts through May 2001 with no language restrictions. References in the included studies and in reviews of the literature were screened. Contact with content experts and massage associations was also made. SELECTION CRITERIA: The studies had to be randomized or quasirandomized trials investigating the use of any type of massage (using the hands or a mechanical device) as a treatment for nonspecific LBP. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers blinded to authors, journals, and institutions selected the studies, assessed the methodologic quality using the criteria recommended by the Cochrane Collaboration Back Review Group, and extracted the data using standardized forms. The studies were analyzed in a qualitative way because of heterogeneity of population, massage technique, comparison groups, timing, and type of outcome measured. RESULTS: Nine publications reporting on eight randomized trials were included. Three had low and five had high methodologic quality scores. One study was published in German, and the rest, in English. Massage was compared with an inert treatment (sham laser) in one study that showed that massage was superior, especially if given in combination with exercises and education. In the other seven studies, massage was compared with different active treatments. They showed that massage was inferior to manipulation and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation; massage was equal to corsets and exercises; and massage was superior to relaxation therapy, acupuncture, and self-care education. The beneficial effects of massage in patients with chronic LBP lasted at least 1 year after the end of the treatment. One study comparing two different techniques of massage concluded in favor of acupuncture massage over classic (Swedish) massage. CONCLUSIONS: Massage might be beneficial for patients with subacute and chronic nonspecific LBP, especially when combined with exercises and education. The evidence suggests that acupuncture massage is more effective than classic massage, but this needs confirmation. More studies are needed to confirm these conclusions, to assess the effect of massage on return-to-work, and to measure longer term effects to determine cost-effectiveness of massage as an intervention for LBP.
PMID: 12221356, UI: 22210166
Spine 2002 Sep 1;27(17):1887-95
Twin Cities Spine Center and the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
STUDY DESIGN: An extensive outcome questionnaire using a visual analog scale, the North American Spine Society Satisfaction Questionnaire, a Modified Roland and Morris disability index, and a modified Oswestry Disability Index was used to assess the outcome of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion for those with neck pain. OBJECTIVE: To document the clinical outcome for 87 patients who underwent anterior cervical discectomy and fusion for the primary indication of neck pain, as assessed after an average follow-up period of 4.4 years. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Clinical outcome studies of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with validated patient-perceived outcome measurements are few. METHODS: From the authors' database, 87 patients were identified who had undergone an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion for primary indication of dominant neck pain, and who had completed an extensive outcome questionnaire regarding pain and self-function at a mean 4.4-year follow-up assessment. RESULTS: This study documents a self-perceived satisfactory outcome rate of 82%. Patients reported on improvement of pain using visual analog scales, on function using modified Oswestry and modified Roland-Morris disability indexes, and on satisfaction using the North American Spine Society outcome tool. On an assessment 4.4 years on the average after the surgery, 82% of the patients (71/87) self-perceived their outcome to be good, very good, or excellent. Pain improvement was reported by 93% of the patients (81/87), whose average visual analog rating changed from 8.4 before surgery to 3.8 after surgery. The self-rated functional status improved approximately 50% on both the Oswestry and the modified Roland-Morris disability indexes. CONCLUSIONS: Properly selected patients who present with a primary indication of chronic neck pain report a high percentage of change in their self-perceived level of pain and function when treated with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. Patients' self-expressed improvement with surgical management, as compared with their preoperative dissatisfaction because of their neck condition, documents that this surgical treatment is a reasonable option.
PMID: 12221354, UI: 22210164
Spine 2002 Sep 1;27(17):1865-74
ORTON Orthopaedic Hospital, Invalid Foundation, Helsinki, Finland,; and the Departments of Orthopaedics and Mechanical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
STUDY DESIGN: The three-dimensional motion patterns of chronic low back pain (LBP) patients were studied during active motions. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether the motion patterns of coupling and asymmetry in chronic LBP patients differ from those in the normal population according to previous literature. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: There exists little data that correlates vertebral motion with LBP symptoms despite extensive research. Several studies have suggested that patterns of motion are sensitive indicators of spinal pathology, including coupled motion patterns and asymmetry of motion. METHODS: In this study, 34 chronic LBP patients enrolled for an external fixation test performed active bending maneuvers, during which the three-dimensional intervertebral motions were measured continuously with an optoelectronic camera via markers attached to the percutaneous transpedicular screws. If a solid connection between each marker carrier and vertebrae was verified, the three-dimensional rotations of the vertebrae were analyzed with special reference to motion asymmetries and patterns of coupled motion. All data were compared to the normal values in the literature since the methodology is not possible in asymptomatic control subjects. RESULTS: Seven patients were removed from the analysis because of a loose screw-bone interface. In the remaining patients, three distinct patterns of motion were observed in each direction of movement. Significant differences in the extension-flexion ratio, the lateral bending asymmetry, and the coupled axial rotation-lateral bending ratio were found between the chronic LBP group and the normal literature values. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic LBP patients exhibited motion patterns altered from those of the normal population. Specific differences were observed in coupled axial rotation during lateral bending movement, in the symmetry between flexion and extension, and in the symmetry be tween right and left lateral bending.
PMID: 12221351, UI: 22210161
Spine 2002 Sep 1;27(17):1844-51
Coronel Institute for Occupational and Environmental Health, Academic Medical Center, Division of Public Health, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
STUDY DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial in occupational health practice was conducted. OBJECTIVE: To study the efficacy of early management of workers with low back pain by occupational physicians, as compared with management by the supervisor only. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Health care and university workers with back pain and on sick leave for less than 1 month were included in the study. METHODS: Patients with low back pain for at least 10 days on sick leave were randomly assigned to early management by the occupational physician (n = 61) or to a reference group with management by the worker's supervisor during the first 3 months of sick leave (n = 59). The patients were observed for 1 year and compared in terms of time until return to work, pain intensity, functional disability, and general health perception. The occupational physicians were provided with management guidelines. RESULTS: No significant differences were found after 3 and 12 months of follow-up evaluation in terms of time until return to work (hazard ratio, 1.3; 95% CI, 0.90-1.90) or in terms of other health outcomes. Recurrences, however, occurred more frequently in the intervention group, but the total duration of sick leave in 1 year did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The findings do not show a significant positive effect of an early intervention by occupational physicians on workers with low back pain. This might reflect the early phase of disability or the low intensity of the intervention resulting from overestimation of the physicians' compliance with the guidelines.
PMID: 12221346, UI: 22210156
Spine 2002 Sep 1;27(17):1829-34
Institut fur Physiologie, Freie Universitat Berlin,; the Orthopadisches Ruckentherapiezentrum, Berlin,; the Klinik fur Anasthesiologie und Operative Intensivmedizin, Pain Centre, Berlin,; the Orthopadie-Praxis, Berlin,; and the Center for Muscle.
STUDY DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial with a 6-month follow-up period was conducted. OBJECTIVE: To compare lumbar extension exercise and whole-body vibration exercise for chronic lower back pain. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Chronic lower back pain involves muscular as well as connective and neural systems. Different types of physiotherapy are applied for its treatment. Industrial vibration is regarded as a risk factor. Recently, vibration exercise has been developed as a new type of physiotherapy. It is thought to activate muscles via reflexes. METHODS: In this study, 60 patients with chronic lower back pain devoid of "specific" spine diseases, who had a mean age of 51.7 years and a pain history of 13.1 years, practiced either isodynamic lumbar extension or vibration exercise for 3 months. Outcome measures were lumbar extension torque, pain sensation (visual analog scale), and pain-related disability (pain disability index). RESULTS: A significant and comparable reduction in pain sensation and pain-related disability was observed in both groups. Lumbar extension torque increased significantly in the vibration exercise group (30.1 Nm/kg), but significantly more in the lumbar extension group (+59.2 Nm/kg; SEM 10.2; P < 0.05). No correlation was found between gain in lumbar torque and pain relief or pain-related disability (P > 0.2). CONCLUSIONS: The current data indicate that poor lumbar muscle force probably is not the exclusive cause of chronic lower back pain. Different types of exercise therapy tend to yield comparable results. Interestingly, well-controlled vibration may be the cure rather than the cause of lower back pain.
PMID: 12221343, UI: 22210153
Spine 2002 Sep 1;27(17):1821-8
Department of Physiotherapy, Southampton University Hospitals Trust, Highfield, Hants, United Kingdom.
STUDY DESIGN: A single-blind randomized controlled trial of a leaflet developed for people with acute low back pain was compared with the usual general practitioner management of back pain. OBJECTIVE: To test the effectiveness of a patient information leaflet on knowledge, attitude, behavior, and function. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Despite the commonality of back pain in general practice, little evidence on the effectiveness of simple interventions such as leaflets and advice on self-management has been reported. On the basis of a five-stage needs analysis, a simple leaflet was developed that considered the views of patients and health professionals. METHODS: For this study, 64 patients with acute back pain were assigned to the leaflet or control group. The participants were visited at home after 2 days, 2 weeks, then 3, 6, and 12 months, where they completed a range of self-report measures. Behavioral aspects were discretely recorded by a "blinded" researcher. Primary outcomes were knowledge, attitude, behavior, and function. RESULTS: In all, 272 home visits were undertaken. The findings show that at 2 weeks, knowledge about sitting posture was greater in the leaflet group (P = 0.006), which transferred to a behavioral difference (sitting with lumbar lordosis support) when participants were unaware that they were being observed (P = 0.009). This difference remained significant at 3 months. Patients in the leaflet group also were better at maintaining a wide base of support when lifting a light object than the control subjects throughout all five assessments. There were no significant differences in the functional outcomes tested. CONCLUSIONS: This trial demonstrates that written advice for patients can be a contributory factor in the initial general practitioner consultation because it may change aspects of knowledge and behavior. This has implications for the management of acute back pain, with potential health gain.
PMID: 12221342, UI: 22210152
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