(Orlando, FL ) — NASS reviewed two studies on vertebroplasty by Buchbinder et al and Kallmes et al shortly after they were published in the August 6, 2009 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. Based on the evidence at the time, NASS responded with comments calling for a "thorough and systematic review of all the literature in order to better define the subgroup of patients for which vertebroplasty might be most appropriate.”  Since NASS issued those comments in its October 2009 statement,  “Newly Released Vertebroplasty RCTs: A Tale of Two Trials,”  new studies continue to be published, adding to the scientific literature on vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty.

AAOS’ recently released guideline on osteoporotic compression fractures appears to have been developed in an appropriate and transparent manner. The recommendations offered may be applied to the populations that were the basis of the studies reviewed at the time. However, it is the policy of NASS to restrict comment to the validity of the process by which other organizations develop evidence-based guidelines.

Updated guideline development is recommended after a finite time interval, particularly if additional high level studies are published with different conclusions or if additional studies are published examining a different population.

 # # #

The North American Spine Society (NASS) is a multidisciplinary medical organization dedicated to fostering the highest quality, evidence-based, and ethical spine care by promoting education, research, and advocacy. NASS is comprised of 6000 members from several disciplines including orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, physiatry, neurology, radiology, anesthesiology, research, physical therapy and other spine care professionals. For more information, visit www.spine.org.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Pam Towne
Director of Publications
(630) 230-3642
E-mail
10/8/10