Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty: how good is the evidence?
The absence of Level I evidence undermines the credibility of all clinical studies pertaining to percutaneous vertebral augmentation (ie, kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty). The powerful desire to relieve suffering in the frail elderly cannot substitute for a rigorously designed randomized controlled trial comparing vertebral augmentation with continued nonoperative care. Though the level of available evidence is currently inadequate, its quality is improving.
McKiernan
Fergus E
FE
Center for Bone Diseases, Marshfield Clinic, 1000 North Oak, Marshfield, WI 54449, USA. mckiernan.fergus@marshfieldclinic.org
D001178:Arthroplasty; D001827:Body Height; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D059408:Pain Management; D011788:Quality of Life; D013131:Spine / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome