The International Society for the Study of the Lumbar Spine: research trends over time and publication rates.

Study Design And Objectives: A retrospective review was conducted to assess trends in research selected for podium presentation at ISSLS.

Summary Of Background Data: Abstracts of past papers presented to ISSLS provide quantified documentation of trends in research as well as insight into future directions.

Methods: A systematic review of abstracts of research presented was performed. Graphical plots in each category of research and aspects of study quality were used to identify any trends. Univariate and multivariate logistical regression analyses were used to identify factors related to eventual publication.

Results: A total of 43% of selected papers focused on the disc, representing the single largest area of research. There is a linear trend over time toward increased selection of basic science papers and decreased clinical papers. Experimental research design is becoming more frequently selected. In 1978, over 80% of papers were purely descriptive. By 2002, 42% of papers were descriptive, whereas 40% incorporated an experimental design. However, over the past decade, there has been a linear increase in the proportion of randomized controlled trials among clinical papers compared with basic science or biomechanical papers. A total of 54% of all abstracts presented recently went on to publication. Independent factors that were associated with significantly (P < 0.05) higher publication rates included use of blinded or independent observers (84.6%), experimental design (68.4%), basic science or biomechanical papers (62.3%), and statistically positive result (61.8%).

Conclusion: Overall, the type of research selected for presentation at ISSLS has improved over the years in regards to greater use of experimental and randomized study design. The eventual publication rates compare favorably to other research societies. Factors related to publication have been identified and should be considered in future research.