Plasma neuropeptides in patients undergoing lumbar discectomy.

Study Design: A prospective analysis of patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH).

Objectives: To determine the role of neuropeptides as a biochemical signature of pain states in patients with LDH.

Summary Of Background Data: Increases in the plasma level of neuropeptides have been reported in patients suffering from a variety of painful conditions.

Adjacent segment stenosis after lumbar fusion requiring second operation.

Background: Whereas degeneration of the segment adjacent to lumbar fusion has been often seen on radiographs, a small number of patients with such degenerative changes undergo reoperation. Most follow-up studies have focused on adjacent segment disease based on analysis of radiographs. The present study was conducted to understand the pathology of reoperation cases of adjacent segment disease and factors associated with this condition.