The spine journal : official journal of the North American Spine Society
-
There has been longstanding controversy surrounding the influence of funding source on the conduct and outcome of medical research. In 2011, a systematic review of the use of recombinant bone morphogenetic protein-2 revealed underreporting of unfavorable outcomes in some industry-sponsored trials. We hypothesize that Industrial funding and the presence of potential conflict of interest will be associated with low levels of evidence (LOE) and greater proportions of favorable outcomes in spinal research. ⋯ We demonstrated a significant association between source of funding, study outcome, and LOE in spinal research. A large proportion of industry funded research was shown to provide level IV evidence and report favorable outcome.
-
Review Case Reports
Presentation of cauda equina syndrome due to an intradural extramedullary abscess: a case report.
Cauda equina syndrome is caused by compression or injury to the nerve roots distal to the level of the spinal cord. This syndrome presents as low back pain, motor and sensory deficits in the lower extremities, and bladder as well as bowel dysfunction. Although various etiologies of cauda equina syndrome have been reported, a less common cause is infection. ⋯ Cauda equina syndrome, presenting as a result of spinal infection, such as the case reported here, is extremely rare but clinically important. Surgical intervention is generally the recommended therapeutic modality.