Quebec task force classification pdf

A short summary of this paper. Download Download PDF. Translate PDF. However, it is unclear whether leg pain location above or below the knee and the presence of neurological signs are important in primary care patients.

Aim The aim of this study was to explore whether the four Quebec Task Force categories QTFC based on the location of pain and on neurological signs have different characteristics at the time of care seeking, whether these QTFC are associated with outcome, and if so whether there is a hierarchy of the four QTFC on the severity of outcomes.

Method Adult patients seeking care for LBP in chiropractic practice or general practice were classified into the four QTFC based on self-reported information and clinical findings.

Analyses were performed to test the associations between QTFC and baseline characteristics as well as the outcomes of general perceived effect and activity limitation after 2 weeks, 3 months, and 1 year and 1-year latent class derived trajectories of LBP intensity. Results The study comprised patients; from chiropractic practice and from general practice. QTFC were statistically significantly associated with most of the baseline characteristics, with activity limitation at all follow-up time points, with general perceived effect at 2 weeks but not 3 months and 1 year, and with 3 out of 5 LBP trajectories in at least one of the settings.

Keller RB ,. Singer DE. Affiliations 1 author 1. Share this article Share with email Share with twitter Share with linkedin Share with facebook.

Abstract Study design A prospective cohort study of patients in Maine with sciatica and lumbar spinal stenosis treated surgically and nonsurgically.

Summary of background data In , the Quebec Task Force on Spinal Disorders proposed a diagnostic classification to help make clinical decisions, evaluate quality of care, assess prognosis, and conduct research. Objectives To assess the Quebec Task Force classification's ability to stratify patients according to severity and treatment at baseline, and to assess changes over time in health-related quality of life, including symptoms, functional status, and disability.

Methods Five hundred sixteen patients participating in the Maine Lumbar Spine Study who completed baseline and 1-year follow-up evaluations were classified successfully according to the Quebec Task Force classification. Patient characteristics and treatments were compared across Quebec Task Force classification categories.

Changes in health-related quality of life over 1 year were assessed according to Quebec Task Force classification category and type of treatment. There was no association between Quebec Task Force classification and baseline functional status. Only a nonsignificant trend was observed for surgically treated patients.

Conclusions For patients with sciatica, the Quebec Task Force classification was highly associated with the severity of symptoms and the probability of subsequent surgical treatment. Nonsurgically treated patients in Quebec Task Force classification categories reflecting nerve root compression had greater improvement than those with pain symptoms alone.

Among surgical patients, the Quebec Task Force classification was not associated with outcome. These results provide validation for the classification and its wider adoption. Nonetheless, improved diagnostic classifications are needed to predict outcomes better in patients with sciatica who undergo surgery. Full text links Read article at publisher's site DOI : A treatment-based classification approach to low back syndrome: identifying and staging patients for conservative treatment.

Psychosocial predictors of disability in patients with low back pain. Diagnostic imaging procedures for the lumbar spine. What can the history and physical examination tell us about low back pain? Background and concepts. Occupational disability due to low back pain: a new interdisciplinary classification based on a phase model of disability. Title not supplied McCombe Spine Distinguishable groups of musculoskeletal low back pain patients and asymptomatic control subjects based on physical measures of the NIOSH Low Back Atlas.

Assessing health-related quality of life in patients with sciatica. Show 4 more references 10 of Smart citations by scite. The number of the statements may be higher than the number of citations provided by EuropePMC if one paper cites another multiple times or lower if scite has not yet processed some of the citing articles. Explore citation contexts and check if this article has been supported or disputed.

Comparison of treatment outcomes in lumbar central stenosis patients treated with epidural steroid injections: interlaminar versus bilateral transforaminal approach. Patient characteristics and treatments were compared across Quebec Task Force classification categories. Changes in health-related quality of life over 1 year were assessed according to Quebec Task Force classification category and type of treatment.

There was no association between Quebec Task Force classification and baseline functional status. Only a nonsignificant trend was observed for surgically treated patients. Conclusions: For patients with sciatica, the Quebec Task Force classification was highly associated with the severity of symptoms and the probability of subsequent surgical treatment.