Methodologic evaluation of the lumbar disc syndrome

Yale J Biol Med. 1981 Jan-Feb;54(1):65-78.

Abstract

Though the lumbar disc syndrome is a costly and ubiquitous affliction, effective evaluation of the disease process has been confounded by major unaddressed methodological short falls. Prominent difficulties include: inattention to the clinical boundaries of the syndrome, neglected co-morbid disease processes, comparison of unequal treatment groups and premature clinical data extrapolation, inadequate diagnostic validation, variability in surgical observation, and reliance upon follow-up techniques faulted by unaddressed distorting factors. Proposals for improvement include: formulation of suitable stratification subgroups emphasizing age and sign-symptom intensity and duration, techniques for improved diagnostic return from surgical exploration, suggestions toward improved quantitation of clinical testing procedures, and implantation of a quality of life scale.

MeSH terms

  • Back Pain* / diagnosis
  • Back Pain* / etiology
  • Back Pain* / therapy
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Intervertebral Disc Displacement / complications
  • Lumbar Vertebrae
  • Nerve Compression Syndromes* / diagnosis
  • Nerve Compression Syndromes* / etiology
  • Nerve Compression Syndromes* / therapy
  • Prognosis
  • Referral and Consultation