Cost-effectiveness of Decompression vs. Instrumented Spondylodesis for Sciatica
Author Information
Author(s): Arts Mark P, Verstegen Marco JT, Brand Ronald, Koes Bart W, Akker M Elske van den, Peul Wilco C
Primary Institution: Leiden University Medical Center
Hypothesis
Nerve root decompression according to Gill is more (cost-)effective on the short term and equally (cost-)effective on the long term compared to instrumented spondylodesis.
Conclusion
The study aims to determine if a less invasive surgical technique is as effective as a more invasive one for treating sciatica.
Supporting Evidence
- Nerve root decompression is the most frequently performed surgical procedure for low-grade spondylolytic spondylolisthesis.
- Gill's procedure is a less invasive alternative to instrumented fusion.
- Previous studies have shown satisfactory results with Gill's procedure.
Takeaway
This study is trying to find out if a simpler surgery for back pain works just as well as a more complicated one.
Methodology
A multicenter randomised controlled trial comparing two surgical techniques with a follow-up period of 2 years.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to lack of blinding.
Limitations
Patients and research nurses will not be blinded during the follow-up period.
Participant Demographics
Patients aged 18 to 70 with sciatica or neurogenic claudication lasting more than 3 months.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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