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Background Numerous clinical tests have been proposed for the diagnosis of clinical lumbar instability (CLI), but a cluster of clinical tests is still needed to increase the accuracy of CLI diagnosis. Objective To evaluate a diagnostic support tool intended to identify the presence of CLI using a cluster of clinical tests. Design Analytical cross-sectional study. Methods Two hundred participants with chronic low back pain (LBP) were diagnosed with or without CLI by an orthopedic surgeon. The orthopedic surgeon made the diagnosis from classic clinical symptoms and signs. The diagnosis was used as the reference standard. An orthopedic physical therapist used four clinical tests to identify CLI in each participant, including the apprehension sign, the instability catch sign with/without the abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM), the painful catch sign with/without the ADIM, and the prone instability test. Results For an individual test, the apprehension sign showed a high specificity (92.6%) and a positive likelihood ratio (LR+; 2.4) but a very low sensitivity of 17.4%. A cluster of three of the four examined tests provided the most diagnostic accuracy for CLI, with a high LR+ (5.8) and a high specificity (91.7%) but low sensitivity (47.8%) and a negative likelihood ratio (LR-; 0.6). Conclusions A cluster of three of the four examined tests was determined to comprise a powerful clinical support tool for the identification of CLI patients as tested against a reference standard diagnosis. Clinical trial registration Name of the registry: Thai Clinical Trials Registry. Registration number: TCTR20190426002.

Background The Japanese Orthopaedic Association Cervical Myelopathy Evaluation Questionnaire (JOACMEQ) was developed to resolve problems associated with the original evaluation of cervical myelopathic patients. The aim of this study was to translate the JOACMEQ into Thai as per international recommendations, and to test its reliability and validity in the Thai context Methods The JOACMEQ was translated into Thai, using international guidelines. Cervical myelopathy patients (n = 70; 31 males) were asked to complete the Thai version JOACMEQ twice (4 weeks apart). Test-retest reliability was analyzed using the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). Internal consistencies were analyzed using Cronbach's alpha, while the construct validity was compared with the Thai version modified SF-36; using the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Results The Thai JOACMEQ produced good reliability (i.e., the ICC was >0.9 in 2 parameters and >0.8 in one). Overall the Cronbach's α for the 24 questions showed very high internal consistency (Cronbach's α > 0.8) and almost all Cronbach's α showed satisfactory internal consistency except for bladder function. The Spearman's rank correlation for all the JOACMEQ parameters had a positive correlation with all Thai SF 36 subscales, especially the quality of life parameter, which showed a strong correlation with all SF-36 subscales. Conclusion The Thai version of the JOACMEQ had satisfactory internal consistency and test-retest reliability: it also had good construct validity. It can therefore be used as a reliable tool for assessing quality of life for cervical myelopathy patients in Thailand.

This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (Intervention). The objectives are as follows: To assess the effects of limb salvage compared to amputation and rotationplasty for treating pathological fracture at diagnosis in children and adolescents with localized high grade osteosarcoma.

Study design Agreement study. Purpose To validate the interrater reliability of the histopathological classification of the post-laminectomy epidural fibrosis in an animal model. Overview of literature Epidural fibrosis is a common cause of failed back surgery syndrome. Many animal experiments have been developed to investigate the prevention of epidural fibrosis. One of the common outcome measurements is the epidural fibrous adherence grading, but the classification has not yet been validated. Methods Five identical sets of histopathological digital files of L5-L6 laminectomized adult Sprague-Dawley rats, representing various degrees of postoperative epidural fibrous adherence were randomized and evaluated by five independent assessors masked to the study processes. Epidural fibrosis was rated as grade 0 (no fibrosis), grade 1 (thin fibrous band), grade 2 (continuous fibrous adherence for less than two-thirds of the laminectomy area), or grade 3 (large fibrotic tissue for more than two-thirds of the laminectomy area). A statistical analysis was performed. Results Four hundred slides were independently evaluated by each assessor. The percent agreement and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) between each pair of assessors varied from 73.5% to 81.3% and from 0.81 to 0.86, respectively. The overall ICC was 0.83 (95% confidence interval, 0.81-0.86). Conclusions The postoperative epidural fibrosis classification showed almost perfect agreement among the assessors. This classification can be used in research involving the histopathology of postoperative epidural fibrosis; for example, for the development of preventions of postoperative epidural fibrosis or treatment in an animal model.

Study design Experimental study. Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of peridural parecoxib-soaked absorbable gelatin sponge, and cellulose membrane on peridural fibrosis prevention in an animal model. Summary of background data Postoperative peridural fibrosis is one of the causes of failed back surgery syndrome. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs inhibit the inflammatory response, while an absorbable gelatin sponge or cellulose membrane interposes between the dura and the paraspinal muscle to staunch the surgical bleeding. These mechanisms may prevent peridural fibrosis. Methods Forty L5-L6 laminectomized adult Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly allocated into 4 groups. The high parecoxib group received 6 mg of parecoxib soaked into an absorbable gelatin sponge placed over the dura. The low parecoxib group was given 2 mg of parecoxib soaked into an absorbable gelatin sponge. The dura in the cellulose group was covered with a cellulose membrane, while the control group received normal saline drip before surgical wound closure. All rats were killed at 6 weeks for histopathological assessment. The fibroblast density, inflammatory cell density, fibrous adherence, and adverse events were quantified. The obtained results were analyzed statistically. Results The respective mean fibroblast density in the high parecoxib, low parecoxib, cellulose, and control groups was 217.77 ± 51.76, 317.51 ± 126.92, 321.80 ± 90.94, and 328.48 ± 73.41 cells/mm², while the respective mean inflammatory cell density was 539.65 ± 236.52, 910.17 ± 242.59, 1011.84 ± 239.30, and 1261.78 ± 319.68 cells/mm². The mean fibroblast and inflammatory cell densities of the high parecoxib group were significantly lower than the control. The high parecoxib group also showed statistically less fibrous adherence than low parecoxib, cellulose, and control groups. Conclusion The high-dose parecoxib-soaked absorbable gelatin sponge can prevent peridural fibrosis without complications. The low-dose parecoxib and cellulose membrane provided no significant benefit vis-a-vis prevention of peridural fibrosis, as adduced from the lack of any statistically significant difference between the test and control rats.

Background The Japanese Orthopedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire (JOABPEQ) was developed by the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) for assessment of lower back pain and lumbar spinal disease. We aimed to translate the JOABPEQ into Thai and test its reliability and validity in the Thai context. Methods The original JOABPEQ was translated into Thai in accordance with international recommendations. Then 180 lumbar spinal disease patients (mean age 58.58 ± 11.97, 68.3% female) were asked to complete the Thai version of the JOABPEQ twice at 2-week intervals. Test-retest reliability was analyzed using the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). Internal consistencies were analyzed using Cronbach's alpha, while the construct validity was compared with the Thai version of the modified SF-36, and tested using the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Results The Thai JOABPEQ showed satisfactory test-retest reliability in all parameters (Intra-class Correlation Coefficient 0.761–0.862). The variables low back pain, walking ability, social life function, and mental health had satisfactory internal consistency (the respective Cronbach's α was 0.798, 0.721, 0.707, and 0.795). Only the lumbar function parameter showed moderate reliability (Cronbach's α = 0.654). All of the variables in the Thai JOABPEQ had a statistically positive correlation with the correspondent Thai SF-36 subscales (Spearman's rank correlation p value Conclusion The Thai version of JOABPEQ had satisfactory internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and construct validity; it can be used as a reliable tool for assessing quality of life for lumbar spinal disease patients in Thailand.

Study design A bicenter randomized, patients, healthcare providers, and data collectors blind placebo-controlled trial in multimodal analgesia for postoperative lumbar spine surgery was conducted. Objective To assess the efficacy and safety of parecoxib on postoperative pain management after posterior lumbar spine surgery. Summary of background data Systematic reviews suggest that cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitors are an effective treatment for acute postoperative pain. However, previous trials on lumbar spine surgery showed equivocal efficacy of cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitors for postoperative pain relief. Methods In this study, 120 patients undergoing posterior lumbar discectomy, spinal decompression, or spinal fusion were stratified based on the surgical procedure to 3 groups (n = 40) and randomly allocated to receive multidoses of parecoxib 40 mg/dose or placebo. Efficacy was assessed by total morphine used from patient-controlled analgesic pump, pain intensity, pain relief, and the patient's subjective rating of the medication. Results Parecoxib 40 mg reduced the total amount of morphine required over 48 hours by 39% relative morphine reduction compared with placebo (P = 0.0001). Pain at rest was reduced by 30% (P = 0.0001). Ninety percent of patients given parecoxib experienced at least 50% maximum total pain relief compared with 58% treated with placebo. The number-needed-to-treat for 1 patient to have at least half pain relief was 3.1 (2.0-4.6). Patients' subjective rating of the medication was described as "excellent, good, and fair" by 48%, 43%, and 8% in the parecoxib group, respectively, compared with 21%, 50%, and 28% of placebo patients (P = 0.004). Overall adverse effects of patients receiving parecoxib and morphine were comparable to those receiving morphine alone. Conclusion The present study demonstrates that the perioperative administration of parecoxib with patient-controlled analgesic morphine after lumber spine surgery resulted in significantly improved postoperative analgesic management as defined by reduction in opioid requirement, lower pain scores, and higher patients' subjective rating of the medication.

Study design A randomized, double-blind placebo controlled trial in multimodal analgesia for postoperative pain was conducted. Objective To examine whether combination of corticosteroid and bupivacaine administered in patients undergoing posterior lumbosacral spine surgery reduces postoperative morphine consumption, back and leg pain relief, and improves functional disability and general health status. Summary of background data Patients with lumbar spine surgery had moderate to severe postoperative pain. Administration of corticosteroid or injection of local anesthetic agent has been additive treatment methods for opioid drugs. There is uncertainty as to whether corticosteroid and bupivacaine combination improves outcomes in lumbosacral spine surgery. Methods A total of 103 patients who were scheduled to undergo elective posterior lumbar discectomy, decompressive laminectomy with or without instrumented fusion for degenerative spinal diseases, received either methylprednisolone locally applied to the affected nerve roots (and bupivacaine was infiltrated into the wound) or injected placebo. Morphine consumption and pain scores were recorded at 1, 2, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours after surgery. Oswestry Index and Short Form SF-36 scores were recorded before surgery and at 1 and 3 months later. Results Demographic data between the 2 groups were comparable. The cumulative morphine dose and postoperative pain was significantly lower in the study group than in the placebo group (P = 0.01 and P = 0.001, respectively). When performing subgroup analyses, the beneficial effects were found in all groups of surgery but could not demonstrated statistically significant difference for all subgroup comparisons. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups with regard to pain on cough, Oswestry Index, and SF-36 scores. No complications were associated with the perioperative use of methylprednisolone or bupivacaine. Conclusions Administration of methylprednisolone-bupivacaine provided a favorable effect immediately after posterior lumbosacral spine surgery for discectomy, decompression, and/or spinal fusion without complication.

This prospective randomized trial is to determine the effectiveness of treating lumbar facet syndrome with oral diclofenac, methylprednisolone facet joint injection or both. We enrolled lumbar facet syndrome patients treated at Srinagarind Hospital. Enrolled patients were randomly assigned to receive 100 mg/day oral diclofenac, an 80 mg injection of methylprednisolone into each symptomatic facet joint, or both. Endpoints were the Oswestry disability index (ODI) and visual analogue scale (VAS) before treatment, and at four and 12 weeks after treatment. Of the 99 patients, the mean age was 46.4 years and 48 were men. The initial ODI (mean ± SD) for the diclofenac, methylprednisolone and combined treatment was 45.1 ± 9.3, 42.9 ± 15.6, and 42.2 ± 11.5, respectively. The respective four week ODI was 30.1 ± 8.1, 20.2 ± 8.0, and 15.1 ± 5.5. The 12-week ODI was 42.4 ± 9.0, 32.2 ± 15.6, and 26.2 ± 11.7. The initial VAS was 7.1 ± 1.2, 7.6 ± 1.1, and 7.3 ± 1.0. The four week VAS was 5.3 ± 1.4, 3.6 ± 0.7, and 3.3 ± 1.1. The 12-week VAS was 6.1 ± 1.1, 5.8 ± 1.4, and 5.1 ± 0.9. The four week ODI and VAS for the combined treatment and the methylprednisolone treatment were significantly less than the diclofenac alone. The combined treatment also showed better scores than the methylprednisolone injection. Within each treatment, the best treatment effect was found at four weeks after which the ODI and VAS gradually increased but were still less than the initial scores. The combined treatment was more effective in reducing lumbar facet pain and improving the functional index than either treatment alone. This approach should be the preferred treatment.

Four different experiments were performed to study the effect of methylprednisolone on porcine bone morphogenetic protein (pBMP) in an allograft in adult rabbits. In each animal, a 2-cm segment of radius was excised and replaced with frozen allograft. Fifteen milligrams pBMP was applied over the graft-host junction in Groups I and III, and 30 mg pBMP was applied in Groups II and IV. In Groups III and IV, methylprednisolone was given intramuscularly for three weeks. Incorporation was assessed by roentgenography, analysis of the area of callus formation and histologic and biomechanical analysis at four and eight weeks. Methylprednisolone inhibited pBMP-induced bone formation and incorporation of frozen cortical bone allograft.

Eighty-six patients presenting with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the spine were retrospectively reviewed. Forty-nine patients had neurologic compromise: paraplegia developed in 23 patients and loss of anal or urethral sphincter control occurred in 17 patients. Anterior decompression was performed in 35 patients and posterior decompression in 14 patients. The rest of the patients were treated nonoperatively. Neurologic recovery in the operated cases was unsatisfactory. We found that this particular histologic type of spinal metastasis is highly invasive and aggressive. Survival analysis in 74 evaluable patients showed a median survival time of 76 days, which was not affected by the presence of multiple lesions or neurologic compromise. Surgical decompression had no positive impact on survival of the patients. Therefore, it is suggested that nonoperative treatment should be the guideline, and operative treatment should be offered only to carefully selected cases of metastatic adenocarcinoma of the spine.