Keywords
epidemiology
Niger
How to Cite
Abstract
Introduction :
Lumbosciatica is a painful lumbar syndrome accompanied by pain radiating fully or partially along the L5 or S1 dermatome. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical, and therapeutic aspects of lumbosciatic pain in the rheumatology department of Niamey National Hospital. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional and descriptive study with prospective data collection over a 4-month period. It included all patients seen in consultation or hospitalized who presented with low back pain associated with L5 or S1 sciatica in the rheumatology department of the National Hospital of Niamey.
Results :
During our study, we identified 117 cases of lumbar sciatica out of 1158 patients seen in consultation and/or hospitalized in the rheumatology department of the National Hospital of Niamey, representing a frequency of 10.10%. The M/F sex ratio was 0.43. The mean age of the patients was 51.56 ($\pm$14.49) years, with extremes of 15 and 82 years. The most represented age group was 55 to 65 years, with 25.64% of cases. Civil servants were the majority, accounting for 35.03%. A medical history of lumbar microtrauma was reported in 42.74% of cases. More than 2/3 of our patients were overweight. Walking was the most frequent triggering factor (77.78%). L5 radicular topography was the most represented (44.44%). Lasègue's sign was present in 34.19% of cases. L4-L5 disc herniation was diagnosed in 51.85% of our patients. The combination of WHO step I and II analgesics was the most used (73.50%). An epidural infiltration was performed in 37.61% of our patients.
Conclusion :
Lumbosciatica is a common reason for consultation in rheumatology. It mainly affects adult women. The etiologies are multiple and are most often degenerative in origin. Therefore, it is necessary to enhance the technical facilities to allow better management.
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