Table 1 In- and exclusion criteria for patients suffering from lumbosacral radicular syndrome, thyroid dysfunction or knee complaints
Inclusion criteria | Exclusion criteria |
|---|---|
Lumbosacral radicular syndrome | |
- Age < 50 years with pain extension to one leg (sciatic pain) | - Onset of complaints > 50 year (age), continuously pain independent of position or movement, nocturnal pain, pain in both legs, widespread neurological paresis, micturition disorder (incontinence or retention), Cauda Equina syndrome |
- And one or more of the following: | |
○ Increase of pain in the leg during increase of pressure | |
○ Pain and/or tingling corresponding to one dermatome: calf/lateral edge of the foot or instep/hallux | - Malaise, malignancy in medical history, unexplained weight loss, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) |
○ Positive test of Lasegue (pain past the knee when the straight leg is at an angle of less than 65 degrees) | - Long-term corticosteroids usage, length reduction, increased thoracic kyphosis |
○ Finger-floor distance > 20 centimeterMotor deficits matching a segment | - Polyradiculopathy, elevated ESR |
○ Absence of Achilles Reflex | - Second opinion |
○ Complaints during < 6 weeks | |
Knee complaints | |
- Patient has (non-)traumatic knee complaints | None |
Thyroid dysfunction | |
- Overt hyperthyroidism or; | - Thyroid nodule |
- Subclinical hyperthyroidism or; | - Overt hypothyroidism |
- Subclinical hypothyroidism | |