A case series aimed to describe a new clinical condition for the first time in the medical literature called Ankle Spine Syndrome or "RAFFET Syndrome II". This syndrome was reported in 6 patients (2 males and 4 females) out of 1000 patients with a history of chronic ankle injuries affecting their calf muscles' strength throughout the last 3 years. The patients suffered from unresolved CLBP with radiculopathy contralateral to their calf muscle atrophy (i.e., an ipsilateral calf muscle weakness induces contralateral lumbar radiculopathy) that did not respond to physical therapy or any medication for long.
Who can participate
Age range
20 Years – 40 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Clinical presentation of lumbar radicular pain (i.e., contralateral radiculopathy) was sharp, distinctive, shooting, or lancinating. It felt like a narrow band of pain (i.e., not more than 5-8 cm wide) throughout the length of the lower limb. It was experienced superficially and deeply.
They had back pain intensity scores that ranged from 8 to 10 indicating a severe degree of pain during dynamic activity while almost all patients scored zero while resting Our patients with this syndrome had functional disability scores that ranged from 10 to 22 indicating mild and moderate degrees of disability.
had a history of physical therapy visits for back pain and sciatica at many specialized centers
Exclusion Criteria:
* pain score less than 8 functional disability scores less than 10 red flags as tumor or osteoprosis or bone infection previous back surgery
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) known as Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire