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Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty: How good is the evidence?

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Abstract

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.

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  1. Marshfield Clinic, Center for Bone Diseases, 1000 North Oak, Marshfield, WI, 54449, USA

    Fergus E. McKiernan MD

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McKiernan, F.E. Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty: How good is the evidence?. Curr Rheumatol Rep 9, 57–65 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11926-007-0023-0

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