European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society
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To provide an overview and a critical appraisal of the use of responder analyses in published randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of interventions for chronic low back pain (LBP). The methodology used for the analyses, including the justification, as well as the implications of responder analyses on the conclusions was explored. ⋯ Few RCTs of interventions for chronic LBP report responder analyses. Where responder analyses are used, the methods are inconsistent. When performing responder analyses authors are encouraged to follow the recommended guidelines, using empirically derived cutoffs, and present results alongside mean differences.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Do analgesics improve functioning in patients with chronic low back pain? An explorative triple-blinded RCT.
TREATMENT of patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) aims to reduce disability, improve functional capacity, and participation. Time contingent prescription of analgesics is a treatment modality in CLBP. The impact of analgesics on functional capacity is unknown. Aim of the study was to explore the effect of analgesics on functioning measured by functional capacity evaluation, and self-reported disability in patients with CLBP. ⋯ Overall treatment effects were small and non-significant. A subgroup, however, reported improved functioning as a result of treatment. Responders had lower catastrophizing scores.
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Multicenter Study
The prevalence and severity of low back pain and associated symptoms in 3,009 old men.
The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence and severity of low back pain (LBP) and the influence of sciatica and neurological deficits in old men. ⋯ The 1-year prevalence of LBP in community living men aged 69-81 years was close to 50% but for individuals with LBP or LBP + SCI the morbidity was low with more than two-thirds having no limitations in ADL. In men with LBP + SCI + NEU more than one-third rated the pain as severe and close to half had limitations in ADL.
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Comparative Study Clinical Trial
A comparison of magnetic resonance imaging with electrodiagnostic findings in the evaluation of clinical radiculopathy: a cross-sectional study.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the agreement of magnetic resonance imaging and electrodiagnostic studies by comparing their findings in patients with clinically suspected radiculopathy. The agreements between these two procedures and clinical findings were also examined. ⋯ This study further supports that these two methods are complementary in general. It is reasonable to add EDX when there is discrepancy between MRI and clinical findings or when MRI neurologic findings are not visible.