CT changes after conservative treatment for lumbar disk herniation.
In order to assess changes occurring to lumbar disk herniations and bulges and to the disk spaces after conservative treatment, a follow-up CT was carried out of 106 pathologic disks in 92 patients at a mean interval of 14 months after the initial examination. There was a strong association between the evolution of the hernias and clinical results, with a decrease in size of the majority of hernias in successfully treated patients, whereas the others essentially remained unchanged (p < 0.0001). A significantly higher proportion of large hernias diminished as compared to the smaller ones (p < 0.0001). Diffuse disk bulges were associated with a poor outcome and never regressed. There was a lower incidence of diminution of the central hernias compared to other locations. Patients with normal disk space at the initial examination had a better outcome than those with disk space narrowing. Only occasionally was a reduction of the disk space observed at follow-up.
Dullerud
R
R
Department of Radiology, Ullevaal University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
Nakstad
P H
PH
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000700:Analgesics; D001510:Bed Rest; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007403:Intervertebral Disc / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014143:Traction; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000700:Analgesics