Abstract
Background
The main reason for surgical procedures in the lumbar spine is nerve compression associated with radiculopathy or neurogenic claudication. Lumbar surgical decompression is effective in relieving neurogenic pain and restoring walking ability. However, the presence of associated preoperative low back pain (LBP) in patients with neurological symptoms is not uncommon, and its management is still controversial. Chronic dysfunctions, such as atrophy and muscle fat replacement of the main spine muscles, are related to pain intensity. These dysfunctions can be identified and measured by means of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as muscle fat infiltration and reduction of muscular cross-sectional area. The primary objective of this study was to correlate the degree of muscle degeneration with the presence of LBP before lumbar decompression surgery. The secondary objectives are evaluations of the impact of different surgical techniques in muscle degeneration, as well as of the association of pain, disability, quality life and psychosocial factors during recovery after lumbar decompression surgery.
Methods
This prospective cohort will include individuals older than 18 years who underwent surgical lumbar decompression. Radiographic exams and MRI examinations will be performed before the surgical procedure. Changes in scores of pain, kinesiophobia, psychosocial risk prognosis, perception of improvement, anxiety, depression, disability and quality of life will be measured at baseline and at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months of follow-up. The primary outcome will be the intensity of LBP.
Study status
Protocol Trial version: 02 Date: Feb 10, 2021
Recruitment Start Date: January 2020
Recruitment Estimated End Date: December/2025
Status: Recruiting
Trial registration number: NCT04273828