Epidemiological, Clinical and Etiological Aspects of Sciatica in Hospital Setting, CNHU-HKM Cotonou

Abstract

Sciatica, mostly clinical-based diagnosis, is a potentially debilitating condition as a result of disco-radicular conflict between L 4 and L 5 or L 5 and S 1. This study aims at describing the epidemiological, clinical and etiological aspects of sciatica in Hubert Koutoukou Maga Teaching Hospital (CNHU-HKM) of Cotonou. It was a prospective, descriptive and analytical study conducted in CNHU-HKM Cotonou neurology department from 1 st January to 30 th June 2016. The study population comprised 115 low back pain patients seen in consultation. Data collection was carried out through a standard information sheet with socio-demographic, clinical, para-clinical, etiological and therapeutic data. Epi data 3.1 was used for data entry and Stata11 for processing. Frequency of sciatica was 18.6%, with 95% CI [11.5%-25.7%]. The study population age ranged from 29 to 73 years, with 52 ± 16 as mean value, while sex ratio was estimated at 0.6. Bilateral sciatica representing 53% was present in L 5 and S 1 nerve roots in 44.4% of cases. It was exacerbated in prolonged standing (24.4%) and relieved in supine position (44.3%), with paresthesia (59.1%) and intermittent radicular claudication (40.9%). Spinal osteoarthritis was the most prevalent etiology (47%). Sciatica is becoming increasing prevalent and should be regarded as problem of health concern.

A Cross-Sectional Study to Determine the Prevalence, Symptoms and Risk Factors Associated with Low Back Pain and Sciatica in District Nowshera, Pakistan

“…The diagnostic trial for sciatica is the Straight leg raising test (SLR) which is also known as Lasegue's sign (Koes et al, 2007). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), plain radiography and computerized tomography (CT) assist to recognize sciatica aetiology (Adjien et al, 2018). The important role of treatment for the management of sciatica patients is generally based on single ingredient medicines, for instance, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) at the lowest valuable dose with a small number of recommendations on the use of combination drug therapy.…”

“…Sciatic pain arises from the back spread out in the pelvic limb throughout the L5 or S1 spine segment. This pain settles down as a result of disco-radicular conflict between L4 or L5 and L5 or S1 (Adjien et al, 2018). Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is generally described by low back pain or sciatica commonly bilaterally symmetrical however sometimes absent, particularly at L5/S1 with inferior sequestration (Gardner et al, 2011).…”