Sciatica Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Sciatica, including details on treatment, prevention, medication. | ||||||||
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Determinants of spontaneous resorption of intervertebral disc herniations.Autio RA, Karppinen J, Niinimäki J, Ojala R, Kurunlahti M, Haapea M, Vanharanta H, Tervonen O Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland. reijo.autio@mhso.fi STUDY DESIGN: A follow-up of disc herniation (herniated nucleus pulposus [HNP]) resorption on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). OBJECTIVE: To assess the determinants of resorption of HNP. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Neovascularization in the outermost areas of HNP, presenting as an enhancing rim in gadolinium diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid MR images, is thought to be a major determinant of spontaneous resorption of HNP. METHODS: Patients with HNP-induced sciatica at baseline were rescanned at 2 months (N = 74) and after 12 months (N = 53). The volume of HNP (mm), thickness (mm) and extent (%) of enhancement, and the degree of HNP migration (Komori classification) were analyzed. Repeated measures analysis of covariance was used in statistical analysis. RESULTS: Significant resorption of HNP occurred from baseline to 2 months, although the resorption rate was more pronounced over the whole 1-year follow-up. Higher baseline scores of rim enhancement thickness, higher degree of HNP displacement in the Komori classification, and age category 41-50 years were associated with a higher resorption rate. Thickness of rim enhancement was a stronger determinant of spontaneous resorption than extent of rim enhancement. Clinical symptom alleviation occurs concordantly with a faster resorption rate. CONCLUSIONS: MRI is a useful prognostic tool for identifying patients with HNP-induced sciatica with a benign natural course. Published 11 May 2006 in Spine, 31(11): 1247-52.
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