To investigate the incidence of spinal instability among patients with discogenic low back pain and its various effects with respect to the patients' age, gender, sports activity, and occupation. [Participants and Methods] We assessed 65 patients diagnosed with discogenic low back pain at our clinic between May 2016 and May 2020. After measuring segmental angulation using plain radiographs, we divided these patients into two groups: (1) instability group with >10° of segmental angulation or >3 mm of sagittal translation and (2) stability group with <10° of segmental angulation and <3 mm of sagittal translation. Patient data such as age, gender, sports activity, and occupation were collected using their medical records. [Results] The incidence of spinal instability was 57% (37 patients) among the patients with discogenic low back pain. No significant differences in age, gender, sports activity, and occupation were identified between the groups. [Conclusion] The incidence of spinal instability accounted for more than half of the total number of patients. Additionally, age, gender, sports activity, and occupation did not affect the incidence of spinal instability. Our results support the importance of rehabilitation, such as stability training for spinal instability, for patients with discogenic low back pain.

The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence rate and healing process of lateral malleolus fracture in ankle sprains. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 37 patients who were diagnosed as having ankle sprain at our clinic from January 2015 to January 2017. The subjects were divided two groups: the lateral malleolus fracture (fracture) group (14) and the no-fracture group (23). Analysis parameters were the prevalence rate of lateral malleolus fracture, age, gender, rest span, healing span, and presence of sports injuries. [Results] The age, gender, rest period, healing period, and presence of sports injuries of the fracture group were 47.4 ± 22.5 years, 4 males and 10 females, 49.1 ± 30.6 days, 102.7 ± 39.9 days, and 3 cases, respectively. The age of the fracture group was significantly greater than that of the no-fracture group. The sports disorder of the fracture group was significantly low. [Conclusion] Lateral malleolus fractures occurred in approximately 4 out of 10 of the total number of ankle sprains. A rest period of 7 weeks was important for lateral malleolus fracture to heal.