Study Design. Systematic review. Objective. To compare the effectiveness of surgery versus
conservative treatment on pain, disability, and loss of quality of life caused by symptomatic …

Examining trends and geographic variations in clinical care offers insights into changes in
clinical decision making. We summarized data on spine surgical rates, trends, and variations …

OBJECTIVE: To develop evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for interventional
techniques in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic spinal pain. METHODOLOGY …

Study Design. Epidemiological study using national administrative data. Objective. To
provide a complete analysis of national trends in spinal fusion from 1998 to 2008 and …

Context In recent decades, the fastest growth in lumbar surgery occurred in older patients
with spinal stenosis. Trials indicate that for selected patients, decompressive surgery offers …

Background Surgery for spinal stenosis is widely performed, but its effectiveness as
compared with nonsurgical treatment has not been shown in controlled trials. Methods …

Study Design. Retrospective cohort study using national sample administrative data.
Objectives. To determine if lumbar fusion rates increased in the 1990s and to compare …

Background Management of degenerative spondylolisthesis with spinal stenosis is
controversial. Surgery is widely used, but its effectiveness in comparison with that of …

Background: The management of degenerative spondylolisthesis associated with spinal
stenosis remains controversial. Surgery is widely used and has recently been shown to be …

Study Design. A randomized controlled multicenter study with a 2-year follow-up by an
independent observer. Objectives. To determine whether fusion of the lower lumbar spine …