To explore whether the potential instability of the cervical spine and cervical muscle degeneration in patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR) affect the efficacy of cervical traction, and whether cervical traction can aggravate the potential instability of the cervical spine. We divided the 113 recruited CRS patients into three groups based on the differences in horizontal displacement and abnormal angle, and measured the degree of cervical muscle degeneration in the patients through MRI. Considering functional scores, VAS, NDI and PCS scores of the three groups post-treatment were significantly improved. Through the intergroup analysis, we found that the improvement in functional scores in the mild and moderate instability trend groups was better than that in the severe group. Through MRI measurements, we found that the degree of cervical muscle degeneration was significantly increased in the severe instability trend group. Regarding the changes in X-Ray imaging parameters pre- and post-treatment, no significant differences were observed pre- and post-treatment. For patients with CSR, the more serious their predisposition for cervical instability was, the more severe the degree of cervical muscle degeneration was, which means the worse the curative effect was, but cervical traction did not aggravate the potential degree of cervical instability.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the clinical efficacy and complication rates of decompression with unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) and percutaneous endoscopy (PE) in cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR).
METHODS: A comprehensive literature review was conducted up to April 2024 across multiple databases, including EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang Data, focusing on clinical studies that compare UBE with PE for posterior foraminotomy and discectomy decompression in CSR. The meta-analysis was performed with an emphasis on evaluating clinical outcomes such as operation time, blood loss, incision length, Neck Disability Index (NDI), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for neck pain and arm pain, and complications.
RESULTS: Out of an initial 1,041 studies identified from electronic databases, eight were deemed eligible based on title, abstract, and full-text screening. These studies involved 552 patients (269 males, 283 females; mean age: 53.9±11.4 years; range, 30 to 79 years), with 287 in the UBE group and 265 in the PE group. Meta-analysis indicated no significant difference in operation time between UBE and PE (mean difference [MD]=-3.68; 95% confidence interval [CI]:-19.38, 12.02; p=0.65). However, both blood loss (MD=17.01; 95% CI: 2.61, 31.41; p=0.02) and incision length (MD=11.62; 95% CI: 9.23, 14.01; p<0.00001) were significantly lower in the PE group compared to the UBE group. Regarding clinical outcomes, no significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of NDI (MD=0.12; 95% CI:-0.10, 0.34; 0.28), VAS for neck pain (MD=-0.06; 95% CI:-0.19, 0.06; p=0.32), VAS for arm pain (MD=-0.14; 95% CI:-0.26, -0.01; p=0.84), or complications (OR=1.07; 95% CI: 0.54, 2.10; p=0.85).
CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that there are no significant disparities in clinical outcomes between UBE and PE, encompassing NDI, VAS for arm pain, and VAS for neck pain, as well as complication rates. Notably, compared to PE, UBE results in increased bleeding and longer incision lengths when treating CSR, without substantially reducing operation time.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy of meridian massage in the treatment of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy.
METHODS: Sixty-four patients with cervical radiculopathy treated from March 2020 to June 2023 were divided into the observation group and the treatment group, with 32 cases in each group. The observation group received conventional treatment, including 14 males and 18 females with an average age of (41.34±7.23) years old ranging from 32 to 55 years old;the disease duration ranged from 9 to 17 months with an average of (14.23±3.56) months;C5 and C6 nerve root compression occurred in 12 cases, C7 nerve root compression occurred in 17 cases, C8 nerve root compression occurred in 3 cases. The treatment group received massage therapy on the basis of conventional treatment, including 17 males and 15 females with an average age of (40.86±6.97) years old ranging from 30 to 54 years old;the disease duration ranged from 8 to 18 months with an average of (15.43±3.48) months;C5 and C6 nerve root compression occurred in 14 cases, C7 nerve root compression occurred in 16 cases, C8 nerve root compression occurred in 2 cases. The clinical efficacy was evaluated by visual analogue scale(VAS), neck disability index(NDI) and clinical assessment scale for cervical spondylosis(CASCS) before and after 2-week treatment, and the range of motion of cervical spine was compared before and after treatment.
RESULTS: After 2-week treatment, the VAS and NDI scores of the treatment group and the observation group decreased, while the CASCS scores increased(P<0.001). After 2-week treatment, the VAS and NDI scores were lower and the CASCS scores were higher in the treatment group than those of the observation group(P<0.001). Comparing with those before treatment, the range of motion of flexion, extension, left flexion, right flexion, left rotation and right rotation after 2-week treatment increased in two groups(P<0.05). Comparing with the observation group, the range of motion of flexion, extension, left flexion, right flexion, left rotation and right rotation increased more significantly in the treatment group(P<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: Meridian massage is effective in the treatment of cervical Spondylotic radiculopathy, which can effectively relieve neck pain, improve clinical symptoms and improve patient satisfaction.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to determine whether specific physical activity (PA) or psychological stress factors are associated with different definitions of flare-ups (pain-defined flares [PDFs]: periods of increased pain lasting at least 2 h, when pain intensity is distinctly worse than it has been recently; and non-pain-defined flares [NPDFs]: obviously uncomfortable feelings, such as fatigue, loss of function, or emotional/psychosocial fluctuations, without major fluctuations in pain intensity based on 11-point scales) among people with lumbar radicular pain.
METHODS: This was a case-crossover study. Participants with acute or subacute lumbar radicular pain completed serial face-to-face or online assessments for 6 weeks at 3-day intervals to determine whether they experienced sciatica flare-ups (PDF/NPDF) after specific types of PA or psychological stresses.
RESULTS: A total of 152 participants were enroled. There were 597 PDF and 323 NPDF case periods and 800 control periods. The odds of PDFs were increased by prolonged walking and standing, and the odds of NPDFs were increased by prolonged sitting, mental distress, and depressed mood. According to the multivariable analyses, prolonged sitting (OR: 3.0, 95% CI: 1.7-5.5), prolonged walking (OR: 6.2, 95% CI: 3.9-9.9), and prolonged standing (OR: 5.6, 95% CI: 3.3-9.5) were significantly associated with the odds of PDFs, and prolonged sitting (OR: 3.4, 95% CI: 1.8-6.2), mental distress (OR: 6.7, 95% CI: 2.5-17.5), and depressed mood (OR: 5.8, 95% CI: 2.6-12.8) associated with the odds of NPDFs.
CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged sitting, walking, and standing triggered the occurrence of PDF. Prolonged sitting, mental distress, and depressed mood triggered the occurrence of NPDF.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to observe the clinical efficacy and safety of minimally invasive posterior cervical foraminotomy (MI-PCF) and anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) in the treatment of single-level unilateral cervical radiculopathy (SLUCR).
METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 81 patients with SLUCR in two hospitals from February 2020 to February 2022, including the MI-PCF group (n=40) and the ACDF group (n=41). The differences in neck and shoulder pain, visual analog score (VAS), upper limb radiating pain (VAS), and neck disability index (NDI) were compared. Operative time, intraoperative bleeding, hospital stay, and complications were also compared between the two groups.
RESULTS: The degree of neck and shoulder pain relief at 1 day postoperatively was better in the ACDF group than in the MI-PCF group (p<0.05), while there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of neck and shoulder pain relief at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively, (p>0.05). There were no significant differences in the relief of upper limb radiating pain and the decrease of NDI scores between the two groups at 1 day, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery (p>0.05). The patients in MI-PCF group had shorter operative time, less bleeding, and shorter hospital stay, which were statistically different (p<0.05). There was no statistical difference in the complication rate between the two groups, (p>0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: The clinical efficacy and safety of MI-PCF and ACDF in the treatment of SLUCR are satisfactory, meanwhile, MI-PCF has shorter operative time, less bleeding and shorter hospital stay than ACDF, which is worthy of clinical promotion.

BACKGROUND: Cervical spondylosis (CS), including myelopathy and radiculopathy, is the most common degenerative cervical spine disease. This study aims to evaluate the clinical outcomes of unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) compared to those of conventional anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF) for treating unilateral cervical radiculopathy or coexisting cervical myelopathy induced by unilateral cervical herniated discs.
METHODS: A prospective, randomized, controlled, noninferiority trial was conducted. The sample consisted of 131 patients who underwent UBE or ACDF was conducted between September 2021 and September 2022. Patients with cervical nerve roots or coexisting spinal cord compression symptoms and imaging-defined unilateral cervical radiculopathy or coexisting cervical myelopathy induced by unilateral cervical herniated discs were randomized into two groups: a UBE group (n = 63) and an ACDF group (n = 68). The operative time, blood loss, length of hospital stay after surgery, and perioperative complications were recorded. Preoperative and postoperative modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) scale scores, visual analog scale (VAS) scores, neck disability index (NDI) scores, and recovery rate (RR) of the mJOA were utilized to evaluate clinical outcomes.
RESULTS: The hospital stay after surgery was significantly shorter in patients treated with UBE than in those treated with ACDF (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the neck or arm VAS score, NDI score, mJOA score, or mean RR of the mJOA between the two groups (p < 0.05). Only mild complications were observed in both groups, with no significant difference (p = 0.30).
CONCLUSIONS: UBE can significantly relieve pain and disability without severe complications, and most patients are satisfied with this technique. Consequently, this procedure can be used safely and effectively as an alternative to ACDF for treating unilateral cervical radiculopathy or coexisting cervical myelopathy induced by unilateral cervical herniated discs.
BACKGROUND: This study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry on 02/08/2023 ( http://www.chictr.org.cn , #ChiCTR2300074273).

BACKGROUND: To identify the sensitivity, specificity, and overall diagnostic accuracy of infrared thermography in diagnosing lumbosacral radicular pain.
METHODS: Patients sequentially presenting with lower extremity pain were enrolled. A clinical certainty score ranging from 0 to 10 was used to assess the likelihood of lumbosacral radicular pain, with higher scores indicating higher likelihood. Infrared Thermography scans were performed and the temperature difference (ΔT) was calculated as ΔT = T1 - T2, where T2 represents the skin temperature of the most painful area on the affected limb and T1 represents the skin temperature of the same area on the unaffected limb. Upon discharge from the hospital, two independent doctors diagnosed lumbosacral radicular pain based on intraoperative findings, surgical effectiveness, and medical records.
RESULTS: A total of 162 patients were included in the study, with the adjudicated golden standard diagnosis revealing that 101 (62%) patients had lumbosacral radicular pain, while the lower extremity pain in 61 patients was attributed to other diseases. The optimal diagnostic value for ΔT was identified to fall between 0.8℃ and 2.2℃, with a corresponding diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 80%, 89%, and 66% respectively. The diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity for the clinical certainty score were reported as 69%, 62%, and 79% respectively. Combining the clinical certainty score with ΔT yielded a diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 84%, 77%, and 88% respectively.
CONCLUSIONS: Infrared thermography proves to be a highly sensitive tool for diagnosing lumbosacral radicular pain. It offers additional diagnostic value in cases where general clinical evaluation may not provide conclusive results.
BACKGROUND: ChiCTR2300078786, 19/22/2023.

The paper introduces professor ZHANG Weihua\'s experience in treatment of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR) with ulna-tibia needling therapy combined with decompression-loosening manual manipulation. Using \"palpating, detecting and imaging observing\", professor ZHANG Weihua gives the accurate diagnosis for the location, the stage and the severity of the disease. According to the nature of the disease, CSR is treated in three stages. He proposes the academic thought, \"taking the tendons as the outline, regarding the meridians as the essential, rooting at qi and blood, co-regulating tendons and bones\". The ulna-tibia needling therapy and decompression-loosening manual manipulation are combined in treatment. In the ulna-tibia needling therapy, the acupuncture is delivered at the lower 1/3 of the cutaneous regions of taiyang and shaoyang meridians, on the ulnar region (belt-like distribution). The decompression-loosening manual manipulation is operated in 3 steps, i.e. relaxing the nape region, decompressing and relaxing (includes positioning rotational wrenching, upward and backward elevation) and supination wrenching, and analgesia and regulating tendons; and the manipulation for analgesia and regulating tendons is supplemented to enhance the effect.
介绍张卫华教授运用尺胫针疗法结合减压松动手技治疗神经根型颈椎病的经验。张卫华教授采用“二摸三查两阅”法对疾病的病位、分期、程度进行精确诊断，根据疾病的性质认为神经根型颈椎病当从3期论治，提出“以筋为纲，以经为要，以气血为基，筋骨并调”的学术思想，运用尺胫针疗法结合减压松动手技进行治疗。尺胫针选取太阳、少阳经尺部之区带的下1/3皮部（带状）范围进针；减压松动手技分为放松颈项、减压松动（包括定位旋转扳法、上抬后顶法、仰侧扳法）、镇痛理筋3步，并配合镇痛理筋手法加强疗效。.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided acupotomy in adjuvant treatment of residual symptoms after percutaneous cervical disc nucleoplasty (PCDN) for cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR).
METHODS: A total of 70 CSR patients were divided into treatment group and control group according to random number table, with 35 cases in each group. Patients in the control group received PCDN, while patients in the treatment group further received ultrasound-guided acupotomy, which was performed once every 5 to 7 days for a total of 4 to 6 times (adjusted according to the condition of patients). The visual analog score (VAS), neck dysfunction index (NDI), Japanese Orthopaedic Association cervical spondylosis scale (JOA score), and Tanaka Yasuhisa 20-point scale were adopted in the assessment before PCDN and 1 day, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months after PCDN. The clinical efficacy, postoperative adverse reactions and complications of the 2 groups were evaluated.
RESULTS: Compared with those before PCDN, the VAS score and NDI score of the 2 groups were decreased (P<0.05), JOA score and Tanaka Yasuhisa 20-point score were increased (P<0.05) at 1 day and 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery. Compared with same group 1 day after surgery, the VAS score and NDI score of the treatment group were decreased (P<0.05), while JOA score and Tanaka Yasuhisa 20-point score were increased (P<0.05) at 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery. Compared with the control group at the same time points, the VAS score and NDI score of the treatment group were decreased (P<0.05), while JOA score and Tanaka Yasuhisa 20-point score were increased (P<0.05) at 1, 3 and 6 months after operation. The effective rate and excellent rate of the treatment group 1, 3 and 6 months after PCDN were higher than those of the control group (P<0.05). Follow-up to 1 year after surgery, no significant postoperative adverse reactions and complications were found in both groups.
CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-guided acupotomy can significantly improve the residual symptoms after PCDN for CSR patients, and the clinical efficacy is significantly better than that of PCDN alone, and this therapy is safe and reliable.
目的: 观察超声引导下针刀疗法辅助治疗神经根型颈椎病低温等离子髓核射频消融术（PCDN）术后残留症状的疗效及安全性。方法: 将70例神经根型颈椎病患者随机分为试验组和对照组，每组35例。对照组患者接受PCDN治疗。试验组患者在对照组基础上在PCDN术后第2天行超声引导下针刀治疗，每隔5~7 d进行1次，共行4~6次。分别于PCDN术前和术后1 d（针刀治疗前）及1、3、6个月时采用疼痛视觉模拟量尺（VAS）评分评价患者疼痛程度，采用颈部功能障碍指数（NDI）评分、日本骨科学会颈椎病（JOA）评分、田中靖久20分法量表评估患者颈椎病的严重程度，评估两组患者的临床疗效并计算治疗有效率和优良率，记录术后不良反应及并发症。结果: 与PCDN术前比较，术后1 d及1、3、6个月时两组患者的VAS评分和NDI评分均降低（P<0.05），JOA评分和田中靖久20分法评分均升高（P<0.05）。与术后1 d比较，试验组患者术后1、3、6个月时VAS评分和NDI评分均降低（P<0.05），JOA评分和田中靖久20分法评分均升高（P<0.05）。与同时点对照组比较，试验组术后1、3、6个月时VAS评分和NDI评分均降低（P<0.05），JOA评分和田中靖久20分法评分均升高（P<0.05）。试验组患者PCDN术后1、3、6个月时有效率和优良率均高于同时间点对照组（P<0.05）。随访至术后1年，两组患者均无明显术后不良反应及并发症。结论: 超声引导下针刀疗法可显著改善神经根型颈椎病PCDN后的残留症状，疗效明显优于单纯行PCDN手术，且安全可靠。.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate natural language processing-driven artificial intelligence (AI) models for the diagnosis of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) with L5 and S1 radiculopathy using electronic health records (EHRs).
METHODS: EHRs of patients undergoing single-level percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy for the treatment of LDH at the L4/5 or L5/S1 level between June 1, 2013, and December 31, 2021, were collected. The primary outcome was LDH with L5 and S1 radiculopathy, which was defined as nerve root compression recorded in the operative notes. Datasets were created using the history of present illness text and positive symptom text with radiculopathy (L5 or S1), respectively. The datasets were randomly split into a training set and a testing set in a 7:3 ratio. Two machine learning models, the long short-term memory network and Extreme Gradient Boosting, were developed using the training set. Performance evaluation of the models on the testing set was done using measures such as the receiver operating characteristic curve, area under the curve, accuracy, recall, F1-score, and precision.
RESULTS: The study included a total of 1681 patients, with 590 patients having L5 radiculopathy and 1091 patients having S1 radiculopathy. Among the 4 models developed, the long short-term memory model based on positive symptom text showed the best discrimination in the testing set, with precision (0.9054), recall (0.9405), accuracy (0.8950), F1-score (0.9226), and area under the curve (0.9485).
CONCLUSIONS: This study provides preliminary validation of the concept that natural language processing-driven AI models can be used for the diagnosis of lumbar disease using EHRs. This study could pave the way for future research that may develop more comprehensive and clinically impactful AI-driven diagnostic systems.