Article

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sciatic nerves of patients with unilateral sciatica
by using an ultrasound, and to determine whether ultrasonographic findings were
related to clinical and electrophysiologic parameters. DESIGN: Cross-sectional
study. SETTING: Physical medicine and rehabilitation departments of a university
hospital and a rehabilitation hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Consecutive patients (N=30;
10 men, 20 women) with complaints of low back pain and unilateral sciatica of
more than 1 month of duration were enrolled. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN
OUTCOME MEASURES: All patients underwent a substantial clinical assessment, and
they were also evaluated by electromyogram and magnetic resonance imaging. Pain
was evaluated by a visual analog scale and the Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic
Symptoms and Signs (LANSS) Scale. A linear array probe
(7.5-12MHz) was used to
scan sciatic nerves bilaterally in the prone position. Sciatic nerve
diameters-thickness (short axis) and width (long axis)-and cross-sectional areas
were measured bilaterally at the same levels, proximal to the bifurcation and
midthigh. The values pertaining to the unaffected limbs were taken as controls.
RESULTS: When compared with the unaffected sides, mean values for sciatic nerve
measurements-long axis at bifurcation level (P=.017) and cross-sectional area at
midthigh level (P=.005)-were significantly larger on the affected sides. Swelling
ratios negatively correlated with symptom duration (r=-.394, P=.038) and LANSS
scores (r=-.451, P=.016) at only midthigh level. CONCLUSIONS: Sciatic nerves seem
to be enlarged on the side of sciatica in patients with low back pain. Our
preliminary results may provide insight into better understanding the lower limb
radiating pain in this group of patients.
CI - Copyright (c) 2012 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS