Concurrent validity of the directional preference phenomenon compared to controlled lumbar discography: A supplementary analysis of a diagnostic accuracy study
Jean-Philippe Deneuville , Mark Laslett , Alexandra Cervantes , Sylvain Peterlongo , Amine Ounajim , Romain Artico
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background
Persistent low back pain (LBP) is a symptom with many potential causes. Centralisation phenomenon (CP) has emerged as promising diagnostic tools for identifying a subset of discogenic pain. CP represents a subgroup of patients demonstrating Directional Preference (DP) and to date the diagnosticaccuracy of DP has never been assessed. To bridge this gap, this study evaluates the diagnostic accuracy of DP for discogenic pain, compares its properties to CP, and explores the development of clinical diagnostic rules (CDRs) for patients with negative testing for DP, or inability to undergo repeated movement testing.
Methods
103 persistent low back pain patients were assessed by a physiotherapist to collect clinical data and determine DP status. Subsequently, a radiologist performed controlled discography to determine the discogenic pain status. Both the physiotherapist and the radiologist were blinded to each other's findings.
Results
DP demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy (specificity: 0.94; Positive Likelihood Ratio (LR+): 7.65) but low screening properties (sensitivity: 0.48; Negative Likelihood Ratio (LR−): 0.56). CP showed similar diagnostic properties (specificity: 0.94; LR+: 5.57). A CDR for untestable DP yielded low predictive power (Area Under the Curve (AUC): 0.57). Due to limited sample size and missing data, no valid CDR could be established to assist diagnostic decision when DP is negative.
Conclusions
DP is a valid diagnostic tool for mechanical discogenic pain but has limited screening utility. Further studies are needed to refine diagnostic approaches and explore subgroups, such as those with Modic changes/inflammation-driven discogenic pain.
期刊介绍:
Musculoskeletal Science & Practice, international journal of musculoskeletal physiotherapy, is a peer-reviewed international journal (previously Manual Therapy), publishing high quality original research, review and Masterclass articles that contribute to improving the clinical understanding of appropriate care processes for musculoskeletal disorders. The journal publishes articles that influence or add to the body of evidence on diagnostic and therapeutic processes, patient centered care, guidelines for musculoskeletal therapeutics and theoretical models that support developments in assessment, diagnosis, clinical reasoning and interventions.