Development of an algorithm for the clinical and instrumental diagnosis of non-compression lumbar pain syndromes to optimize the use of puncture surgical techniques

Background. Pain syndromes developing as a result of degeneration of the lumbar segments of the spine constitute a significant problem in modern vertebrology. The results of the application of preoperative diagnostic provocative tests are contradictory, and therefore the mixed effectiveness of puncture surgical techniques is recorded.

Objective. To develop an algorithm for the clinical and instrumental diagnosis of non-compression lumbar pain syndromes to optimize the use of puncture surgical techniques.

Material and Methods. The study included 923 patients who underwent provocative diagnostic techniques on the intervertebral disk (IVD) and the arched joints (AJ) between 2012 and 2017. Taking into account clinical and instrumental data, the following are made: in group I (n=246) – laser IVD nucleoplasty, in group II (n = 287) – laser denervation of FJ, in group III (n = 390) – simultaneous use of laser exposure to IVD and AJ. We analyzed the dynamics of the level of pain in the lumbar spine and lower extremities according to The Visual Analogue Scale and quality of life according to The Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire.

Results. When performing provocative diagnostic tests, the minimum number of adverse effects was recorded: 3.2% in group I, 2.4% in group II, and 2.1% in group III. After puncture methods of surgical treatment, a significant persistent decrease in the severity of preoperative pain was observed both in the lumbar spine (p = 0.002, p = 0.005 and p = 0.004, respectively) and in the lower extremities (p = 0.003, p = 0.001 and p = 0.005, respectively) A significant improvement in the physical and psychological components of health was also established in group I (p = 0.02 and p = 0.01, respectively), in group II (p = 0.01 and p = 0.03, respectively) and group III (p = 0.03 and p = 0.02, respectively).

Conclusion. In the presence of neuroimaging parameters of IVD according to C. Pfirrmann III–IV and protrusion size 4–6 mm, minimal degenerative changes in the AJ according to A. Fujiwara I–II and D. Weishaupt I–II, as well as a positive disruption test, it is possible to perform laser nucleoplasty. In case of detection of neuroimaging data of IVD according to C. Pfirrmann I–II and protrusion size less than 4 mm, moderately pronounced degenerative changes in the AJ according to A. Fujiwara II–III and D. Weishaupt II–III, as well as positive paraarticular stimulation of AJ, laser denervation of AJ is recommended. When determining, according to neuroimaging data, moderate degenerative changes in IVD according to C. Pfirrmann over III and protrusion size 4–6 mm, as well as degeneration of AJ according to A. Fujiwara more than II and D. Weishaupt more than II, positive of samples and paraarticular stimulation of AJ, it is advisable to perform simultaneous surgical intervention in the volume of laser IVD nucleoplasty and laser denervation of AJ.

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