Rates, Predictive Factors, and Adverse Outcomes of Fusion Surgery for Lumbar Degenerative Disorders in Ontario, Canada, Between 2006 and 2015: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: The addition of fusion surgery to the decompression for lumbar degenerative disorders remains controversial. The purpose of this study is to compare the rate and outcome of decompression and fusion versus decompression alone.

Methods: This population-based retrospective cohort study used several linked administrative databases to identify patients who underwent spinal decompression surgery in Ontario, Canada, from 2006 to 2015.

The impact of the 6-month waiting target for elective surgery: a patient record study.

Aim: To quantify the number of patients declined surgery due to scoring below the financial threshold, when presenting for total hip or total knee arthroplasty at two New Zealand District Health Boards (DHBs).

Method: Data from patients presenting with hip or knee osteoarthritis at both Whangarei Base Hospital and Hawke's Bay Regional Hospital from June 2012 to June 2013 were reviewed. Data were taken from hospital codes and patient records.

The New Zealand Vocational Trainee 2011 Survey: a national snapshot of vocational training.

Aim: To assess the opinions of New Zealand vocational trainees about the quality of their training.

Method: We surveyed New Zealand vocational trainees using an online questionnaire based on the Australian Medical Association Specialist Trainee Survey, in September and October 2011.

Results: The response rate was 24.