Biomechanics of the sciatic nerve and spine following discectomy
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigating the pathomechanics of the sciatic nerve and spine leading to postoperative residual leg symptoms following discectomy for lumbar intervertebral disc disorder
IRAS ID
147112
Contact name
Andrew Clarke
Contact email
Research summary
Lumbar disc herniation is a common condition that results in a protrusion of the disc in the lumbar spine. When the disc presses on the nerves that exit the back it can lead to back and leg pain, as well as leg weakness. Lumbar disc herniation is common and significantly affects people’s quality of life and their ability to work.
Surgical intervention is recommended for management of lumbar disc herniation if non-surgical therapies are unsuccessful or there is significant leg weakness. Microscopic discectomy is the most common such surgical intervention and is both cost effective and largely successful. However, continued, residual leg pain following surgery can occur in up to 32% people.
We hypothesise that residual leg pain post discectomy is caused by stiffening or fibrosis of structures surrounding the sciatic nerve as it leaves the back. This would limit the movement of the nerve with back/leg movement, causing pain and potentially affecting nerve signal transmission.
To date there have been no studies that have measured the motion of the sciatic nerve and the hip and lumbar spine during movements such as bending forwards. All these measures are safe, non-invasive and do not include any exposure to x-rays. This study will not affect the clinical management of the patients before or after surgery.
We aim to assess people with and without residual leg pain post discectomy. We will measure whether the presence of leg pain post surgery can be explained by alterations in sciatic nerve movement and whether this alters nerve signal conduction. The test takes about 1 hour and will occur at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital or Plymouth University. The data from this project will provide a foundation for future research into the management of post-operative leg pain
REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/NW/0110
Date of REC Opinion
17 Feb 2014
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion