[Efficacy of percutaneous laser disc decompression for radiculalgia due to lumbar disc hernia (149 patients)].

Objective: To assess the efficacy of percutaneous laser disc decompression for patients with radicular pain due to lumbar disc hernia and to identify factors that may predict outcome.

Methods: The study included all patients treated with percutaneous laser disc decompression from May 2003 through May 2005 at Reims University Hospital and the Courlancy Clinic of Reims. Each patient had previous undergone at least six weeks of conventional medical treatment.

Aseptic discitis in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: a retrospective study of 14 cases.

Objectives: To determine whether patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and discitis exhibit specific characteristics as compared to patients who have AS without discitis.

Methods: We retrospectively collected clinical, laboratory, and imaging data from the charts of 79 patients with AS admitted to a rheumatology department.

Results: Of the 79 patients, 14 (18%) had discitis that was not due to infection or trauma.

Herpes zoster sciatica with paresis preceding the skin lesions. Three case-reports.

We report three cases of herpes zoster sciatica with motor loss preceding the typical skin lesions. Serological tests and cerebrospinal fluid examination established the diagnosis. Two patients had residual motor loss after 1 and 3 months, respectively.