Kinetics of regression of sciatica and pain in the low back after lumbar macrodiscectomy in human immunodeficiency virus carriers

• Published in: Spine (Philadelphia, Pa. 1976) Pa. 1976), 2008-06, Vol.33 (13), p.E411-E413
• Main Authors: Eyenga, V C, Ngowe, N Ngowe, Minkande, J Ze, Ngah, J Eloundou
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Cameroon; Diskectomy - methods; Female; HIV Infections - complications; HIV Infections - surgery; Humans; Intervertebral Disc - surgery; Intervertebral Disc Displacement - complications; Intervertebral Disc Displacement - surgery; Longitudinal Studies; Low Back Pain - etiology; Low Back Pain - surgery; Lumbar Vertebrae - surgery; Male; Middle Aged; Pain Measurement; Prospective Studies; Sciatica - etiology; Sciatica - surgery; Severity of Illness Index; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome
• ISSN: 0362-2436; 1528-1159
• DOI: 10.1097/BRS.0b013e318175c32b

Prospective longitudinal clinical study. To evaluate the pattern of regression of severe sciatica and pain in the low back over 3 months in HIV infected patients in whom monosegmental lumbar macrodiscectomy was performed for lumbar disc herniation. There are very few reported studies, which have been carried out to evaluate the outcome of lumbar discectomy in HIV positive patients. This was a prospective study conducted from January 2004 to December 2006. Patients included were those who knew their HIV serological status before the first consultation. Patients with previous spinal surgery, multilevel lumbar disc herniation, or any neurologic deficit were excluded. The intensity of pain was assessed by the visual analog scale during regular postoperative follow up. Seventy-seven patients suffering from severe sciatica were included; 9 were HIV positive and 68 were HIV negative. In the HIV positive group, the sex ratio was 2:1, and 8 had severe pain in the low back whereas in the HIV negative group, 44 had severe pain in the low back. At 3 months, sciatica relief (VAS