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Open Access 01-03-2017 | Original Article

Gender differences after lumbar sequestrectomy: a prospective clinical trial using quantitative sensory testing

Authors: Anja Tschugg, Wolfgang N. Löscher, Sara Lener, Matthias Wildauer, Sebastian Hartmann, Sabrina Neururer, Claudius Thomé

Published in: European Spine Journal | Issue 3/2017

Abstract

Background

Quantitative sensory testing (QST) gained popularity to evaluate the time course of recovery in sensory dysfunction and the results of different treatment options. Concerning sex differences in lumbar spine surgery, female gender seems to play a major role as a negative prognostic factor in different spinal disorders. For this purpose, we hypothesised that there are also comparable differences in pain patterns in men and women after lumbar sequestrectomy using QST.

Methods

We applied the QST protocol of the German Research Network on Neuropathic Pain in 53 patients (21 women and 32 men) with a single lumbar disc herniation confirmed on MRI treated by a lumbar sequestrectomy. Further evaluation included a detailed medical history, a physical examination, and various questionnaires: Beck-Depression-Inventory, Oswestry Disability Index, Core Outcome Measure Index, painDETECT-Questionnaire and EQ-5D thermometer.

Results

Our analyses showed lower heat thresholds in females preoperatively, that adjusted to that of males 1 week postoperatively. Pressure pain thresholds were lower in women as well, but differed between genders throughout the study. Vibration perception deficits resolve earlier in female than in male patients. Both, women and men, had an excellent overall improvement, postoperatively.

Conclusion

Our results clearly revealed pre- and postoperative differences in pain perception between genders. These differences have to be taken into account in the evaluation of outcome between genders. Therefore, QST seems to be a good method to evaluate the time course of recovery after surgery.

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Title: Gender differences after lumbar sequestrectomy: a prospective clinical trial using quantitative sensory testing
Authors: Anja Tschugg
Wolfgang N. Löscher
Sara Lener
Matthias Wildauer
Sebastian Hartmann
Sabrina Neururer
Claudius Thomé
Publication date: 01-03-2017
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Spine Journal / Issue 3/2017
Print ISSN: 0940-6719
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0932
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-016-4891-8

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Gender differences after lumbar sequestrectomy: a prospective clinical trial using quantitative sensory testing

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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