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PubMed2006

Interlimb differences in lower extremity bone mineral density following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective descriptive study. OBJECTIVE: To determine the extent of bone mineral density (BMD) interlimb differences at several hip locations in the involved versus noninvolved lower extremity following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery. BACKGROUND: Disuse following ACL reconstruction can be extensive. This disuse not only affects the soft tissue, but may also affect the skeletal structure. The extent of this disuse specific to the proximal femur has not been previously determined. METHODS AND MEASURES: BMD was assessed in 15 subjects, 17 to 51 years old, who were between 6 and 32 months post-ACL reconstruction surgery. Bone mineral content (BMC) and BMD of the femoral neck, trochanteric region, intertrochanteric region, and entire hip were measured as a primary emphasis of this study. BMD and BMC of the entire lower extremities were also measured bilaterally. RESULTS: BMD was significantly less in the involved lower extremity compared to noninvolved lower extremity at several hip sites: 6.6% less (P<.001) for the trochanteric region, 4.0% less (P<.001) for the entire hip, and 3.4% less (P = .004) for the intertrochanteric region. No significant differences were noted comparing the entire lower extremities for either BMD (0.9%, P = .48) or BMC (3.7%, P= .09). CONCLUSION: BMD differences at the hip are significant in patient's postoperative ACL reconstruction, especially in the trochanteric region.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Continuous peripheral nerve blockade in lower extremity surgery.

Peripheral nerve blocks afford numerous benefits for lower extremity surgery. There is growing interest in continuous peripheral nerve blocks, mainly for treatment of postoperative pain, a field that represents a challenge to the anaesthesiologist. This paper seeks to review the efficacy of continuous lower limb blocks for postoperative pain relief. Not only do continuous peripheral nerve blocks afford specificity of analgesic area but current research has shown that they enhance postoperative analgesia and patient satisfaction. New techniques and devices are increasingly appearing, and catheters are constantly being developed and improved; an example being the stimulating catheter, which represents one of the newest advances in this area. The above techniques show that continuous postoperative analgesia with catheters in the lower extremities is not only possible, but indeed provides sustained effective postoperative analgesia, reduces use of opioids, and improves rehabilitation and patient well-being with minimal side-effects. These techniques could prove an alternative to postoperative pain treatment following ambulatory surgery.

Humans↗

PubMed1988

Lower-extremity amputations in NIDDM. 12-yr follow-up study in Pima Indians.

The incidence of lower-extremity amputations was estimated in the Pima Indians of the Gila River Indian Community in Arizona, a population with a high prevalence of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Between 1972 and 1984, from a study population of 4399 subjects, lower-extremity amputations were performed on 84 patients, 80 (95%) of whom had NIDDM. Among diabetic subjects, the incidence rate of first lower-extremity amputations was higher in men than in women. Rates increased significantly with increasing duration of diabetes. Presence of medial arterial calcification, retinopathy, or nephropathy; absence of patellar tendon reflexes; impaired great toe vibration-perception threshold; and degree of fasting and 2-h postload hyperglycemia were significant risk factors for amputations. Serum cholesterol concentration, blood pressure, age, and absence of Achilles tendon reflexes were not predictive of amputations. The death rate was greater in diabetic amputees than in diabetic nonamputees of similar age, sex, and duration of diabetes, and a significant increase in cardiovascular deaths was observed in diabetic subjects with amputations. The incidence rate of lower-extremity amputations in diabetic Pima Indians is higher than that reported in other diabetic populations. This may reflect differences in risk or a more complete case ascertainment than was possible in previous studies. If the latter is true, the rate of amputations in diabetic individuals may be higher than has been previously appreciated.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

[Therapeutic approach in vascular injuries of the lower extremity: Amputation or limb salvage].

The management of lower extremity trauma with vasculary involvement should be directed toward to the salvage of the extremity or to the primary amputation according to the additional pathologies, parameters of the patient and the extremity. We investigated the efficiency of Mangled Extremity Severity Score (MESS) system which is proposed as an grading system to evaluate the change to extremity salvage or the risk for onset of systemic complications. 81 patients with lower extremity trauma were analyzed according to MESS criteria. 79 of the patients were men and mean age was 23 +/- 4. Fourteen patients had higher MESS score. (MESS > 7). Seven of them were older than 50 years. Primary amputation was performed in four of these 7 patients. Vascular repair was performed in three of patients. Multiorgan failure was developed in two of them and both patients died. Secondary amputation was performed to another patients underwent vasculary repair who had MESS > 7 score. Primary amputation was not performed directly in young patients who had MESS > 7. Secondary amputation was required in two of these patients. MESS scoring system can easily predict amputation in older patients but may cause unnecessary amputation in young patients.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1992

Gait analysis in pediatric lower extremity amputees.

Walking function in 56 children with lower extremity amputations was assessed using a questionnaire and gait analysis. Children with prosthetic lower extremities can be very functional in society, often participating in sports. Limitations are proportional to the extent of the missing limbs. As a group, pediatric amputees walk more slowly than their normal peers with a slower cadence and a longer stride length. Pediatric amputees have higher heart rates when walking than normal children, but they seem willing to pay a higher physiologic price for ambulation.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1996

Lower extremity bursitis.

Bursitis is a common cause of lower extremity pain in patients presenting to primary care physicians. Several bursae in the lower extremity account for most of these injuries, including the ischiogluteal, greater trochanteric, pes anserine, medial collateral, prepatellar, popliteal and retrocalcaneal. Often the symptoms are mild, with the patient successfully self-treating through activity modification and other conservative measures. A systematic approach to the evaluation and treatment of patients with bursitis, including prevention, relative rest, ice, compression, elevation, anti-inflammatory medication and treatment modalities such as ultrasound and electrical stimulation, combined with a structured rehabilitation program, will greatly facilitate the healing process.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal↗

PubMed2004

One-stage reconstruction of composite bone and soft-tissue defects in traumatic lower extremities.

Management of bone loss that occurs after severe trauma of open lower extremity fractures continues to challenge reconstructive surgeons. Sixty-one patients who had 62 traumatic open lower extremity fractures and combined bone and composite soft-tissue defects were treated with the following protocol: extensive debridement of necrotic tissues, eradication of infection, and vascularization of osteocutaneous tissue for one-stage bone and soft-tissue coverage reconstruction. The mechanism of injury included 49 motorcycle accidents (80.3 percent), five falls (8.2 percent), three crush injuries (4.9 percent), two pedestrian-automobile accidents (3.3 percent), and two motor vehicle accidents (3.3 percent). The bone defects were located in the tibia in 49 patients (79 percent; one patient had bilateral open tibial fractures), in the femur in seven patients (11.3 percent), in the calcaneus bone in four patients (6.5 percent), and in the metatarsal bones in two patients (3.2 percent). The size of soft-tissue defects ranged from 5 x 9 cm to 30 x 17 cm. The average length of the preoperative bony defect was 11.7 cm. The average duration from injury to one-stage reconstruction was 27.1 days, and the average number of previous extensive debridement procedures was 3.4. Fifty patients had vascularized fibula osteoseptocutaneous flaps, six had vascularized iliac osteocutaneous flaps, and five patients had seven combined vascularized rib transfers with serratus anterior muscle and/or latissimus dorsi muscle transfers. One patient received a second combined rib flap because the first combined rib flap failed. The rate of complete flap survival was 88.9 percent (56 of 63 flaps). Two combined vascularized rib transfers with serratus anterior muscle and latissimus dorsi muscle flaps were lost totally (3.2 percent) because of arterial thrombosis and deep infection, respectively. Partial skin flap losses were encountered in the five fibula osteoseptocutaneous flaps (7.9 percent). Postoperative infection for this one-stage reconstruction was 7.9 percent. Excluding the failed flap and the infected/amputated limb, the primary bony union rate after successful free vascularized bone grafting was 88.5 percent (54 of 61 transfers). The average primary union time was 6.9 months. The overall union rate was 96.7 percent (59 of 61 transfers). The average time to overall union was 8.5 months after surgery. Seven transferred vascularized bones had stress fractures, for a rate of 11.5 percent. Donor-site problems were noted in six fibular flaps, in two iliac flaps, and in one rib flap. The fibular donor-site problems were foot drop in one patient, superficial peroneal nerve palsy in one patient, contracture of the flexor hallucis longus muscle in two patients, and skin necrosis after split-thickness skin grafting in two patients. The iliac flap donor-site problems were temporary flank pain in one patient and lateral thigh numbness in the other. One rib flap transfer patient had pleural fibrosis. Transfer of the appropriate combination of vascularized bone and soft-tissue flap with a one-stage procedure provides complex lower extremity defects with successful functional results that are almost equal to the previously reported microsurgical staged procedures and conventional techniques.

Accidental Falls↗

PubMed2003

Operative management of lower extremity fractures in patients with head injuries.

Treatment of patients with lower extremity fractures and concomitant head injury is controversial. The authors compared reamed intramedullary nailing versus plating of femoral and tibial fractures in patients with polytrauma and concomitant head injury. One thousand five hundred twenty-five patients with head injuries were identified from a prospective trauma database. Of those, 1211 patients sustained severe head injuries (Abbreviated Injury Score >/= 3). One hundred nineteen patients with severe head injuries and lower extremity long bone fractures met the inclusion criteria. Ultimately, four patient groups were identified: Group A, reamed femoral nail (n = 21); Group B, femoral plate (n = 29); Group C, reamed tibial nail (n = 23); and Group D, tibial plate (n = 46). Reamed intramedullary nails did not significantly alter the risk of mortality when compared with plates in femoral (relative risk 0.46; 95% confidence interval, 0.04-4.6) and tibial (relative risk 1.18; 95% confidence interval, 0.05-11.9) fractures. The severity of the initial head injury (Glasgow Coma Scale score) was the strongest predictor of mortality. Functional independence scores between patients with reamed nails and patients with plates were similar at 1 year. Head injury does not seem to be a contraindication to reamed intramedullary nailing in patients with lower extremity fractures. The severity of head injury alone is an important predictor of outcome. A large, randomized trial with sufficient study power is needed to clarify this issue.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

Forward surgical stabilization of penetrating lower extremity fractures: circular casting versus external fixation.

OBJECTIVE: There are two choices for the stabilization of penetrating lower extremity fractures in the forward surgical environment: bivalved circular casting and external fixation. The material and equipment requirements of these methods are of paramount importance in the austere forward surgical environment. METHODS: Casualties from the Battle of the Black Sea in Somalia 1993 were examined. Penetrating lower extremity fractures requiring immobilization were identified. The relative packing volume and weight for each method of immobilization were analyzed. Finally, the current literature concerning the treatment of penetrating lower extremity fractures sustained in combat was reviewed. RESULTS: The consumable material requirements of cast immobilization are 22.9 times greater by weight and 3.16 times greater by packing volume. Cast immobilization also has a greater durable equipment requirement. External fixation has multiple clinical advantages but is considerably more expensive. CONCLUSION: Based on these variables, the authors determined that external fixation is the treatment of choice for penetrating lower extremity fractures in the forward surgical environment.

Casts, Surgical↗

PubMed1976

Purpura, pigmentation and yellow nails of the lower extremities in diabetics.

This article describes purpura and pigmentations of the lower extremities as well as yellow nails mainly in elderly diabetics but also in persons not known to have diabetes. When the latter were compared to controls, it appeared that their glucose tolerance was altered in a diabetic direction. Precipitating factors could generally be established for these lesions, predominantly cardiac decompensation with edema of the legs, and were more common in patients not known to have open diabetes than in patients with open diabetes. Petechiae were transformed into small, pigmented, non-atrophic spots. Petechiae and pigmented spots were often seen simultaneously. In a few patients small, pigmented, non-atrophic spots were seen as pronounced brown-black pigmentation of the lower legs and feet. In a number of patients with open diabetes or diabetic glucose tolerance, erysipelas with purpura within the area of erysipelas was observed on the lower extremities. Patients with no purpura within the area of erysipelas generally had normal glucose tolerance. The pathogenesis of these lesions is discussed. Atrophic circumscribed skin lesions (Melin), cutaneous erythema, with or without necrosis, purpura, pigmentation, red toes, as well as rubeosis plantarum, yellow nails and neuropathy are often seen simultaneously on the lower extremities of patients with open diabetes as well as of those without open diabetes but with diabetic glucose tolerance.

Aged↗

PubMed1989

Does open fasciotomy contribute to morbidity and mortality after acute lower extremity ischemia and revascularization?

A retrospective review was undertaken of 127 lower extremity fasciotomies performed for compartment syndrome after acute ischemia and revascularization in 73 patients with vascular trauma and 49 patients with arterial occlusive disease. One hundred twelve (88%) fasciotomies were performed early (at the time revascularization); 15 (12%) were delayed because of late compartment syndrome diagnosis. Ninety-four (77%) patients had more than one accepted indication for fasciotomy. Double-incision fasciotomy was used in 98 (77%) extremities, single-incision fasciotomy was used in 19 (15%), and fasciotomy-fibulectomy was used in 10 (8%). Fasciotomies were closed in 88 (69%) patients an average of 14 days after surgery. Seven patients needed multiple skin grafting procedures or myocutaneous flaps to close the wound; none compromised limb salvage. Five other patients had minor wound infections that resolved. Functional status returned to preoperative levels by the time of discharge from the hospital in 59 (48%) patients. Thirty-one (24%) patients had residual lower extremity disability related to delayed union of the fracture (five), chronic neuropathy (20), leg swelling (one), or ischemic nonhealing fasciotomy wounds (three); two patients had unrelated disabilities. Fourteen (11%) amputations were required for refractory limb ischemia; two (1.6%) were required for wet gangrene of the foot, which infected the fasciotomy site; the others had open noninfected incisions. Eighteen (15%) patients died of cardiopulmonary failure or multisystem failure or both, without fasciotomy-related problems. Open fasciotomy for compartment syndrome after acute lower extremity ischemia and revascularization was associated with an increased risk of minor wound morbidity. However, limb loss and death resulted from persistent ischemia and underlying systemic disease processes or injuries, but not from open fasciotomy wound complications.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Table-moving contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography in the evaluation of lower extremity peripheral arterial bypass grafts.

The aim of this study was to investigate the utility of table-moving contrast-enhanced three-dimensional MR angiography in the evaluation of lower extremity peripheral arterial bypass grafts. Twenty-two lower extremity peripheral arterial grafts (13 autologous saphenous vein, 7 polytetrafluoroethylene and 2 Dacron) in 18 patients were evaluated. Preoperative diagnosis were occlusive arterial segments in 14 cases, 4 aneurysms in 2 cases (3 aneurysms in one case) and traumatic femoral artery injury in 2 cases. 1.5T superconductive magnet was used with torso-phase and whole body coil system on MRI examinations. Lower extremity peripheral arterial grafts were evaluated and anastomosis sites were classified into five groups as normal, insignificant stenosis (< 50%), significant stenosis (> 50%), occlusion and ectatic or aneurysmatic appearance. Contrast-enhanced MR angiography imaging of 66 segments of 22 graft patients were of high quality. No difficulties were confronted in the radiological evaluation of peripheral bypass grafts. Graft stenosis as detected in five grafts. Stenotic segments were at the proximal (n = 4) and distal (n = 3) anastomosis sites. Total occlusion was shown in three grafts. Ectasia or aneurysm was seen in only one graft. In lower extremity peripheral bypass graft patients, table-moving contrast enhanced MR angiography can be used in the evaluation and follow-up of the vascular lesions.

Arterial Occlusive Diseases↗

PubMed1998

[The current possibilities for plastic repair with axial skin flaps on the lower extremity].

Based on results of complex topographo-anatomical investigations in 187 lower extremities and experiences with performing 220 operations of free and non-free plasty with axial skin flaps formed in the femur, shin and foot, the authors consider the lower extremity as a donor site and a recipient field for such operations. Eight donor zones are selected on the lower extremity and 39 different flaps can be formed within their limits, 27 of them being tested in the clinic. Comparative characteristics of all donor zones are given. The present-day possibilities of the substitution of different wound defects using the axial skin flaps from the femur, shin and foot are shown.

Humans↗

PubMed2004

Major lower extremity amputation: outcome of a modern series.

HYPOTHESIS: Major lower extremity amputation results in significant morbidity and mortality. DESIGN: Retrospective database query and medical record review for January 1, 1990, to December 31, 2001. Mean follow-up was 33.6 months. SETTING: Academic tertiary care center. PATIENTS: Nine hundred fifty-nine consecutive major lower extremity amputations in 788 patients, including 704 below-knee amputations (BKAs) (73.4%) and 255 above-knee amputations (AKAs) (26.6%). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patient survival, cardiac morbidity, infectious complications, and subsequent operation. RESULTS: Overall 30-day mortality was 8.6%, worse for AKA (16.5%) than BKA (5.7%) patients (P<.001). Thirty-day mortality for guillotine amputation for sepsis control was 14.3% compared with 7.8% for closed amputation (P =.03). Complications included cardiac (10.2%), wound infection (5.5%), and pneumonia (4.5%). Twelve AKA (4.7%) and 129 BKA (18.4%) limbs required subsequent operation. Only 66 BKAs (9.4%) required conversion to AKA (average, 77.1 days postoperatively). Overall survival was 69.7% and 34.7% at 1 and 5 years, respectively. Survival was significantly worse for AKAs (50.6% and 22.5%) than BKAs (74.5% and 37.8%) (P<.001). Survival in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) was 69.4% and 30.9% vs 70.8% and 51.0% in patients without DM at 1 and 5 years, respectively (P =.002). Survival in end-stage renal disease patients was 51.9% and 14.4% vs 75.4% and 42.2% in patients without renal failure at 1 and 5 years, respectively (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Major amputation continues to result in significant morbidity and mortality. Survivors with BKA require revision or conversion to AKA infrequently. Long-term survival is dismal for patients with DM and end-stage renal disease and those undergoing AKA.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Lymphatic drainage to the popliteal basin in distal lower extremity malignant melanoma.

UNLABELLED: Hypotheses Melanoma of the distal lower extremity may drain to the popliteal basin. Drainage pathways and retrieval of the popliteal sentinel nodes may affect patient outcome. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of popliteal involvement in patients with stage IB or higher melanoma, operated on from August 1, 1993, to July 31, 2003. SETTING: Tertiary referral, university-affiliated medical center. PATIENTS: One hundred six melanoma patients who underwent combined lymphoscintigraphy and blue dye-guided sentinel node biopsy, radical popliteal dissection, or both. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence and patterns of drainage to popliteal nodes; effect on staging and outcome. RESULTS: Lymphoscintigraphy (n = 8) and physical examination (n = 2) identified 10 cases (9%) of draining to the popliteal basin, with concurrent drainage to the groin. Three distinct drainage patterns were identified, with different popliteal node locations. Seven of 8 popliteal sentinel nodes were retrieved, 1 of which was metastatic with no groin metastasis. Two patients had synchronous palpable popliteal and groin metastases and underwent radical groin and popliteal dissection. All 3 patients with popliteal metastases relapsed early with synchronous systemic and in-transit disease. One of 7 patients with negative sentinel nodes is alive with in-transit disease; all others are disease free. CONCLUSIONS: According to this series, the popliteal basin is the site of first drainage in about 9% of patients, with concurrent drainage to the groin. The 3 distinct patterns of drainage to the popliteal region and the presence of isolated popliteal metastases may affect the surgical treatment. Therefore, drainage to popliteal sentinel nodes and the pattern of this drainage should be noted in all distal lower extremity melanomas.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Lower extremity control and dynamics during backward angular impulse generation in forward translating tasks.

Observation of complex whole body movements suggests that the nervous system coordinates multiple operational subsystems using some type of hierarchical control. When comparing two forward translating tasks performed with and without backward angular impulse, we have learned that both trunk-leg coordination and reaction force-time characteristics are significantly different between tasks. This led us to hypothesize that differences in trunk-leg coordination and reaction force generation would induce between-task differences in the control of the lower extremity joints during impulse generation phase of the tasks. Eight highly skilled performers executed a series of forward jumps with and without backward rotation (reverse somersault and reverse timer, respectively). Sagittal plane kinematics, reaction forces, and electromyograms of lower extremity muscles were acquired during the take-off phase of both tasks. Lower extremity joint kinetics were calculated using inverse dynamics. The results demonstrated between-task differences in the relative angles between the lower extremity segments and the net joint forces/reaction force and the joint angular velocity profiles. Significantly less knee extensor net joint moments and net joint moment work and greater hip extensor net joint moments and net joint moment work were observed during the push interval of the reverse somersault as compared to the reverse timer. Between-task differences in lower extremity joint kinetics were regulated by selectively activating the bi-articular muscles crossing the knee and hip. These results indicate that between-task differences in the control of the center of mass relative to the reaction force alters control and dynamics of the multijoint lower extremity subsystem.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Intraoperative hypothermia associated with lower extremity tourniquet deflation.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine the rapidity and extent of core temperature decrease following release of a lower extremity pneumatic tourniquet. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: Inpatient surgery in a university trauma center. PATIENTS: 11 ASA status I and II adults undergoing unilateral lower extremity fracture fixation in which a tourniquet was used, with general anesthesia. INTERVENTIONS: Temperature was measured in the esophagus before and after lower extremity tourniquet release. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Tourniquet times ranged from 41 to 129 minutes (mean 98.5 +/- 9.1 minutes). Following tourniquet deflation core temperature decreased in all patients, with a maximal decline at 10 minutes, the termination of measurements, although trending downward. Esophageal temperature decreased an average of 0.46 degree C +/- 0.2 degree C at 5 minutes, and 0.67 degree C +/- 0.2 degree C at 10 minutes following tourniquet release, respectively. Temperature changes were significant (p = 0.0001) at both time intervals. CONCLUSION: Core temperature drops significantly immediately following release of the tourniquet at the esophageal temperature monitoring site. This decrease is the result of cooling of systemic blood reperfusing the hypothermic limb, and mixing of cool, "washed out" blood with the systemic circulation. As the consequences of hypothermia are well-known, we recommend core temperature monitoring in all patients having lower extremity tourniquet placed during general anesthesia, as well as vigilant monitoring for prolonged effects of anesthetics in the postoperative period.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

Degree of disc disruption and lower extremity pain.

STUDY DESIGN: Data were collected prospectively from patient-completed pain drawings, lumbar discographic pain responses, and computed tomographic-discographic images. OBJECTIVES: To determine if there were differences in pain location or the type of pain associated with the severity of symptomatic disc disruption. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Lower extremity pain related to spinal pathology was for a long time attributed primarily to nerve root compression. However, this simple model could not explain all lower extremity pain. Other mechanisms such as biochemical agents have been implicated. Also, nerve endings have been found in the outer layers of the anulus. Such endings could be associated with pain referred from the disc into the lower extremities. Pain drawings have been used in several studies to investigate various back pain origins and provide an easily administered method to document pain location. METHODS: Pain drawings were completed by 187 patients undergoing discography at the three lowest levels. The study group consisted of 118 men and 69 women with an average age of 37.2 years (range, 18-62 years). Computed tomographic discograms were scored using the Dallas discogram description, which assigns separate scores for discs with disruption of outer anular fibers (Grade 2) and those with disruption of the outermost anular layers associated with deformation or herniation of the outer anular well (Grade 3). The pain response provoked with each disc injection was recorded as pressure only or painless, pain dissimilar to clinical symptoms, similar to symptoms, or the exact reproduction of clinical pain, in this study, the similar and exact reproduction responses were combined and considered to be "symptomatic." The drawings were classified based on the presence or absence of pain in three regions: low back or buttocks, thigh, and leg. The drawings were also scored using the system described by Ransford, and those that were likely to be indicative of psychological problems were analyzed separately (N = 43). RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the distal location of lower extremity pain among patients whose most severe symptomatic disc disruption was a Grade 2 compared with those with symptomatic Grade 3 disruption (62.2% vs. 61.7%; P > 0.75; chi-square). The figure was similar for patients with both symptomatic Grade 2 and 3 disruption (72.7%). However, patients with symptomatic Grade 2 disruption used significantly more symbols to describe their pain, and in particular aching pain, than did those with symptomatic Grade 3 disruption. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that disc disruption passing into the outer layers of the anulus, but not resulting in deformation of the outer anular wall, was as frequently associated with lower extremity pain as were discs with more severe disruption deforming the outer anular wall; however, they were associated with a greater degree of aching pain. These findings support that lower extremity pain may be referred from the disc.

Adolescent↗