Comparative Effectiveness of Treatments for Chronic Low Back Pain: A Multiple Treatment Comparison Analysis.

Study Design: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Objective: To determine current treatment options of chronic low back pain (LBP) as defined by randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and to compare effectiveness of those treatments using a mixed-treatment comparison (MTC).

Summary Of Background Data: It is important to provide an evidence-based assessment of the treatment options that exist for LBP.

Radiological Determination of Postoperative Cervical Fusion: A Systematic Review.

Study Design: Systematic review.

Objective: To determine best criteria for radiological determination of postoperative subaxial cervical fusion to be applied to current clinical practice and ongoing future research assessing fusion to standardize assessment and improve comparability.

Summary Of Background Data: Despite availability of multiple imaging modalities and criteria, there remains no method of determining cervical fusion with absolute certainty, nor clear consensus on specific criteria to be applied.

Role of prospective registries in defining the value and effectiveness of spine care.

Study Design: Literature review and case example.

Objective: Describe methodological considerations of spine surgery registries. Review existing spine surgery registries.

Surgical correction of scoliosis in children with spastic quadriplegia: benefits, adverse effects, and patient selection.

Study Rationale: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of nonprogressive syndromes of posture and motor impairment associated with lesions of the immature brain. Spastic quadriplegia is the most severe form with a high incidence of scoliosis, back pain, respiratory compromise, pelvic obliquity, and poor sitting balance. Surgical stabilization of the spine is an effective technique for correcting deformity and restoring sitting posture.

Lumbar Lateral Interbody Fusion (LLIF): Comparative Effectiveness and Safety versus PLIF/TLIF and Predictive Factors Affecting LLIF Outcome.

Study Design: Systematic review.

Study Rationale: The surgical treatment of adult degenerative lumbar conditions remains controversial. Conventional techniques include posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) or transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF).