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Biomedical subjects

Hanne B Albert

Publications and source records attributed to Hanne B Albert.

6 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2007

Reproduction of the lumbar lordosis: a comparison of standing radiographs versus supine magnetic resonance imaging obtained with straightened lower extremities.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigates whether it is possible to reproduce the lumbar lordosis in the upright position during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) by positioning the patient supine with straightened lower extremities and investigates intra- and interexaminer reliability of measurements of the lumbar lordosis on radiographs and MRI. METHODS: This was an observational study, which included an intra- and interexaminer reliability study. The lumbar lordosis was measured digitally on radiographs taken from 22 patients in an upright standing position, and 22 MRI scans of the same patients lying supine with straightened lower extremities. These measurements were compared statistically. Intra- and interexaminer reliability was calculated applying the Bland and Altman method. RESULTS: The lumbar lordosis in the standing position was reproduced in the straightened supine position with a median deviation of 3 degrees . Intra- and interexaminer reliability was better for MRI than for radiographs. The mean differences were close to 0, especially for interexaminer reliability during MRI. On radiographs, there was a higher agreement on interexaminer than on intra-examiner reliability. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study show that lumbar lordosis in the upright position can be reproduced by positioning the patient supine with straightened lower extremities.

Female↗
PubMed2006

Natural course of disc morphology in patients with sciatica: an MRI study using a standardized qualitative classification system.

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective observational study of patients with sciatica. OBJECTIVES: To describe the 14-month development of disc-related MRI findings in patients with sciatica receiving active conservative treatment. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Previous studies of disc changes over time have reported reduction of herniations in 35% to 100% of cases. This wide range may be explained by differences in patient populations and classifications used to describe disc herniations. METHODS: Data were obtained from patients with radicular pain (n = 181) who were randomly allocated into one of two active conservative treatment regimens lasting 8 weeks. All patients were scanned at baseline and at 14 months of follow-up. Variables of interest in the present study were disc contour and nerve root compromise at the presumed symptomatic disc level. Disc contour was assessed using the recommendations from the Combined Task Forces of NASS, ASSR, and ASNR. RESULTS: In all, 154 patients were included in this study (70 women and 84 men; range, 18-65 years; mean and median age, 45 years). It was possible to identify the symptomatic disc level in 90% of patients. Extrusions or sequestrations were more common in individuals younger than 45 years and in men. Men were also more likely to have nerve root compromise. Only 3% of bulges and 38% of focal protrusions improved, whereas 75% to 100% of broad-based protrusions, extrusions, and sequestrations improved (P < 0.0001). Nerve root compromise improved in 21% to 80% depending on the disc contour. Neither type of treatment nor age had any effect on the development of MRI findings over time. However, nerve root compromise was more likely to improve in men. CONCLUSIONS: This classification system could be used to identify the majority of symptomatic disc levels. At 14 months, the MRI outcome was generally good for disc herniations and nerve root compromise. Nerve root compromise had the best MRI prognosis if the disc was extruded at baseline. There were significant differences between men and women in relation to baseline findings as well as in relation to development of MRI findings over time.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Risk factors in developing pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain.

BACKGROUND: In this prospective epidemiologic cohort study the aim was to identify possible risk factors for developing four different syndromes of pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy. METHODS: Over a one-year period a total of 2,269 consecutive pregnant women -- at week 33 of gestation -- responded to a structured questionnaire and underwent a thorough physical examination. Women who at baseline reported daily pain from pelvic joints and had corresponding objective findings were allocated, according to symptoms, into one of four classification groups, and followed up with questionnaires and physical examinations up to two years after delivery. RESULTS: Multivariate analysis could distinguish the four pelvic pain sub groups from the "Pelvic healthy" group with respect to 13 of 24 variables. The pelvic girdle syndrome group revealed a history of previous low back pain, trauma of the back or pelvis, multiparae, had a relatively higher weight, a higher level of self reported stress and of job At a higher risk of developing symphysiolysis were women who were multiparae, had a relatively higher weight, and were smokers. If a woman had vocational training or a professional education, was stressed, had a poorer experience of previous delivery, had previous low back pain, trauma of back, or previous salpingitis, she had an increased risk of developing one-sided sacroiliac syndrome. The risk factors for developing double-sided sacroiliac syndrome were previous low back pain and trauma of the back or pelvis, multiparae, poorer relationship with spouse, and less job satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates no single dominant risk factor for developing pelvic girdle pain in pregnancy, but reveals a set of physical and psychosocial factors. The risk factors for developing pelvic girdle pain in general are: history of previous low back pain, trauma of the back or pelvis, multivariate, higher level of stress, and low job satisfaction.

Back Injuries↗
PubMed2003

[Criteria validation of the Roland Morris questionnaire. A Danish translation of the international scale for the assessment of functional level in patients with low back pain and sciatica].

INTRODUCTION: The main concern of patients with low back pain is the functional limitation which the symptoms cause. Therefore it is important to find a valid tool by means of which their functional level can be assessed. The aim of this study was to validate the first Danish translation of the Roland Morris Questionnaire (RMQ), which evaluates the functional level of activity of patients with low back pain and possible sciatica. The RMQ was compared with the functional scale of a Danish functional and pain level questionnaire, The Low Back Pain Rating Scale (RS), and the functional scale (PF) of the SF-36. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Independently, three professionals made a retroversion of the RMQ. Then 135 patients with lumbar disc herniation completed the RMQ, RS and the SF-36. The patients comprised 47% women and 53% men with an average age of 43 years. RESULTS: A significant correlation between the RMQ and the other two questionnaires was found. RMQ-RS; r = 0.89, p < or = 0.001, RMQ-PF (SF-36); r = -0.88 p < or = 0.001. A Chronbach Alpha showed a value of 0.94 (scale 0-1). Differences in scores between the three questionnaires were within the 95% limits of agreement. The average RMQ score was 10% higher than the score of RS and PF (SF-36). CONCLUSION: According to this study the RMQ can be used as a valid tool in the assessment of the functional level of patients with lumbar pain and previous lumbar herniation. Due to the fact that the questionnaire is fast and easy to complete, it is valid, reliable and sensitive and widely used internationally. We recommend the questionnaire to be used as a supplement to the clinical examination both in clinical practice and in research.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Incidence of four syndromes of pregnancy-related pelvic joint pain.

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective epidemiologic cohort study. OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of clearly defined pelvic joint pain in pregnancy based on both history and objective confirmation and to classify pelvic joint pain into four groups and determine their incidence. SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND DATA: Pelvic and low back pain in pregnancy is a substantial problem, and the correct treatment is hampered by several factors, such as the lack of clearly defined clinical conditions, variety of nomenclature, and great variance in reported incidence (range 4-76.4%). This variation in incidence is a problem that calls for a clearly defined criteria and a study design aimed at resolving such varying incidence rates. METHODS: All pregnant women booked for delivery at two Danish hospitals over a 1-year period were offered to participate in the study in week 33 of gestation. Women who reported daily pain from pelvic joints, which could be objectively confirmed, were divided, according to symptoms, into five subgroups: four classification groups (pelvic girdle syndrome, symphysiolysis, one-sided sacroiliac syndrome, and double-sided sacroiliac syndrome) and one miscellaneous. A total of 1460 women formed the incidence cohort based on geographic criteria. RESULTS: A total of 293 women (20.1%) were found to have pelvic joint pain divided in one of the four classification groups: pelvic girdle syndrome 6.0%, symphysiolysis 2.3%, one-sided sacroiliac syndrome 5.5%, and double-sided sacroiliac syndrome 6.3%. CONCLUSION: This study proposes new, more precise procedures for the identification and classification of pregnancy-related pelvic joint pain based on both reports from the women and a physical examination. Presumably, the 20.1% incidence rate, identified in the present study, represents the most precise and reliable information available hitherto, regarding the incidence of pregnancy-related pelvic joint pain.

Cohort Studies↗