Multidisciplinary approach to L3/L4 lumbar disc prolapse masquerading as focal limb myositis-a radiological challenge.

Prolapsed intervertebral discs are commonly associated with back ache and sciatica. Management is often conservative with analgesia and physiotherapy. Nerve root injections and discectomy procedures are used where conservative measures fail.

Obesity and recurrent intervertebral disc prolapse after lumbar microdiscectomy.

Introduction: The primary aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between obesity and recurrent intervertebral disc prolapse (IDP) following lumbar microdiscectomy.

Methods: A retrospective review of case notes from 2008 to 2012 was conducted for all patients who underwent single level lumbar microdiscectomy performed by a single surgeon. All patients were followed up at two weeks and six weeks following surgery, and given an open appointment for a further six months.

Does rectal examination have any value in the clinical diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome?

Purpose: This study aims to quantify the value of digital rectal examination (DRE) in the clinical diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome.

Methods: A retrospective case note review was performed on all patients referred to a University Teaching Hospital over a one-year period with documented suspicion of cauda equina syndrome. All Patients underwent MRI scanning to either confirm or rule out the diagnosis.

A study investigating the validity of modified Tokuhashi score to decide surgical intervention in patients with metastatic spinal cancer.

Purpose: Predicted survival of a patient is the most important parameter that helps to guide the treatment of a patient with metastatic spinal cancer. We aimed to investigate the reliability of modified Tokuhashi score in the decision-making process in patients with metastatic spinal cancer.

Methods: We performed a review of our prospectively collected Metastatic Cancer Database over a period of 4 years (2007-2010).