Corticosteroids peroperatively diminishes damage to the C-fibers in microscopic lumbar disc surgery.
METHODS
A subgroup analysis of patient outcomes from a double-blind randomized controlled study comparing corticosteroid versus saline in microscopic lumbar disc surgery.


OBJECTIVE
To study if the use of corticosteroids combined with surgery alleviates the damage to the nerve fibers in lumbar disc herniation.


BACKGROUND
The use of quantitative sensory testing can detect damage to the myelinated A-delta fibers (cold sense) and the unmyelinated C-fibers (warmth sense). Corticosteroids combined with surgery in lumbar disc surgery enhance the outcome after surgery in terms of less pain and more rapid rehabilitation.


METHODS
Analyzing quantitative sensory testing before surgery and after 2 weeks and 2 years.


RESULTS
In the corticosteroid group, we saw a statistically significant normalization for the warmth disturbance comparing with control group, which not was detected concerning the cold disturbance.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of corticosteroids combined with surgery seems to protect some of the damage to the C-fibers in lumbar disc herniation.
Lundin
Anders
A
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orebro University Hospital, Orebro, Sweden. anders.lundin@orebroll.se
Magnuson
Anders
A
Axelsson
Kjell
K
Nilsson
Olof
O
Samuelsson
Lars
L
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D036421:Nerve Fibers, Unmyelinated / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000379:methods; D017288:Pain Threshold; D019990:Perioperative Care / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D008775:Methylprednisolone