Cervical Lesions Related to the Systemic Progression in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Keiju Fujiwara, Masahiro Fujimoto, Hajime Owaki, Jyoji Kono, Takanobu Nakase, Kazuo Yonenobu, and Takahiro Ochi

The correlation between the deterioration of cervical lesions and the systemic progression of rheumatoid arthritis was investigated. The serum level of C-reactive protein, the number of joints with erosion, and the carpal height ratio correlated with the extent of the cervical subluxation. The rheumatoid disease subset was useful for predicting the terminal feature of the cervical lesions.

Radiculopathy After Laminoplasty of the Cervical Spine
Yoshinao Uematsu, Yasuaki Tokuhashi, and Hiromi Matsuzaki

Among 365 patients who underwent cervical laminoplasty, postoperative radiculopathy developed in 20. These patients were compared with those in whom radiculopathy did not develop to identify risk factors related to patient characteristics and surgical procedures. The results suggest the potential benefit of cutting the bony gutter medially on the medial side of the zygoapophyseal joints and opening the spinal canal by raising the laminae at an angle of less than 60 degrees to prevent the development of postoperative radiculopathy.

Interobserver Reliability of Detecting Lumbar Intervertebral Disc High-Intensity Zone on Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Association of High-Intensity Zone With Pain and Anular Disruption
Brad M. T. Smith, Eric L. Hurwitz, David Solsberg, David Rubinstein, Donald S . Corenman, Anthony P. Dwyer, and Jeff Kleiner

The interobserver reliability of the detection of lumbar intervertebral disc high-intensity zone on magnetic resonance imaging was calculated in a sample of patients with chronic low back pain. In addition, the positive predictive value of a high-intensity zone in detecting an internally deranged and painful intervertebral disc was calculated. The interobserver reliability was fair to good, and the positive predictive value was low.

One-Footed and Externally Disturbed Two-Footed Postural Control in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain and Healthy Control Subjects: A Controlled Study With Follow-Up
Satu Luoto, Heikki Aalto, Simo Taimela, Heikki Hurri, Ilmari Pyykkö, and Hannu Alaranta

Satu Luoto, Heikki Aalto, Simo Taimela, Heikki Hurri, Ilmari Pyykkö, and Hannu Alaranta Postural control was studied among 61 healthy control subjects and 99 patients with chronic low back pain at the beginning of an active functional restoration back rehabilitation program and 6 months after the program. The patients with low back pain had impaired one-footed postural control. In cases of unsuccessful rehabilitation, the impairment in postural control increased.

Work Incapacity From Low Back Pain in the General Population
Kåre B. Hagen and Ola Thune

The results of this study describe the incidence and duration of low back pain resulting in at least 2 weeks of compensated absence from work for 90% of all employees in Norway, with respect to age, gender, and low back pain with and without radiation. The 1-year incidence was 2.27% and was significantly higher for women than for men. The median duration of absence for all cases was 6 weeks and was, on average, 2 weeks longer for patients with radiation than for patients without radiation.

Meteorological Conditions and Self-Report of Low Back Pain
Raymond W. McGorry, Simon M. Hsiang, Stover H. Snook, Edward A. Clancy, and Stephen L. Young

The relation between weather conditions and daily pain scores reported by 94 individuals with chronic low back pain was investigated. Some weather variables were found to influence pain scores significantly. Study participants reporting specific weather sensitivity were influenced significantly by cold temperature, but not by damp, rainy conditions or changes in barometric pressure.

The Effect of Back Belt Use on Isometric Lifting Force and Fatigue of the Lumbar Paraspinal Muscles
Guy R. Majkowski, Brian W. Jovag, Brian T. Taylor, M. Scott Taylor, Stephen C. Allison, Deborah M. Stetts, and Roderick L. Clayton

A repeated measures design was used to assess the effect of back belts on isometric lifting force production and lumbar paraspinal muscle fatigue. The findings do not support the use of back belts for the purpose of minimizing either lumbar paraspinal muscle fatigue or a loss in isometric force production.

Should Extended Disability Be an Exclusion Criterion for Tertiary Rehabilitation?: Socioeconomic Outcomes of Early Versus Late Functional Restoration in Compensation Spinal Disorders
Krista D. Jordan, Tom G. Mayer, and Robert J. Gatchel

A large cohort (n = 940) of consecutively treated patients with chronically disabling spinal disorders who were receiving tertiary functional restoration were assessed to determine the effect of length of disability on socioeconomic outcomes, as well as occupational and physical risk factors assessed before and after treatment. The short-term disability group had a significantly lower rate of pretreatment surgery and significantly better work return and retention. However, the long-term disability group returned to work at more than twice the rate previously cited in the literature for such populations, with health care use and recurrent injury rates comparable with those of the short-term disability group.

Components of Initial and Residual Disability After Back Injury in Nurses
Juliette E. Cooper, Robert B. Tate, and Annalee Yassi

Individual components of a disability scale were examined at the time of injury and 6 months after injury in an early intervention group and a control group of nurses with back injuries. Although the overall scores decreased significantly over time, study nurses reported residual disability in components related to their job demands.

An Unusual Cause of Sciatica: A Case Report
Christopher T. J. Servant

A case is presented of sciatic leg pain, intestinal obstruction, and a gluteal abscess caused by a strangulated sciatic hernia. The etiology, diagnosis, and surgical management of sciatic herniae are discussed.