H Körner1. 1. Klinik für Diagnostische und Interventionelle Neuroradiologie, Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes, Kirrberger Str. 1, 66424, Homburg/Saar, Deutschland, Heiko.koerner@me.com.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Low back pain is one of the most commonly occurring symptomatic complaints with a lifetime prevalence of 70 %. OBJECTIVE: The question of meaningful radiological diagnostics arises in connection with the diagnostics and treatment of low back pain as the common lead symptom. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Special clinical warning signs, so-called red flags, which are indicative of a specific cause of low back pain and of the necessity for possible treatment, are presented with special reference to the national treatment guidelines on low back pain. RESULTS: The presence of clinical warning signs or red flags and in particular the combination of several red flags increases the probability of a specific cause of low back pain and should be examined using radiological imaging. An uncomplicated low back pain in an otherwise healthy patient does not normally necessitate imaging.
BACKGROUND:Low back pain is one of the most commonly occurring symptomatic complaints with a lifetime prevalence of 70 %. OBJECTIVE: The question of meaningful radiological diagnostics arises in connection with the diagnostics and treatment of low back pain as the common lead symptom. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Special clinical warning signs, so-called red flags, which are indicative of a specific cause of low back pain and of the necessity for possible treatment, are presented with special reference to the national treatment guidelines on low back pain. RESULTS: The presence of clinical warning signs or red flags and in particular the combination of several red flags increases the probability of a specific cause of low back pain and should be examined using radiological imaging. An uncomplicated low back pain in an otherwise healthy patient does not normally necessitate imaging.
Authors: Nicholas Henschke; Christopher G Maher; Kathryn M Refshauge; Robert D Herbert; Robert G Cumming; Jane Bleasel; John York; Anurina Das; James H McAuley Journal: Arthritis Rheum Date: 2009-10
Authors: Aron Downie; Christopher M Williams; Nicholas Henschke; Mark J Hancock; Raymond W J G Ostelo; Henrica C W de Vet; Petra Macaskill; Les Irwig; Maurits W van Tulder; Bart W Koes; Christopher G Maher Journal: BMJ Date: 2013-12-11