Lumbar fusion did not differ from cognitive therapy plus exercise for reducing disability and pain in chronic low back painRandomized clinical trial of lumbar instrumented fusion and cognitive intervention and exercises in patients with chronic low back pain and disc degeneration.

Margo, Katherine MD (commentator)
Brox, JI
Sorensen, R
Friis, A
et al,

University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

Brox JI, Sørensen R, Friis A, et al. Randomized clinical trial of lumbar instrumented fusion and cognitive intervention and exercises in patients with chronic low back pain and disc degeneration. Spine 2003; 28: 1913–1921.BroxJISorensenRFriisAet alRandomized clinical trial of lumbar instrumented fusion and cognitive intervention and exercises in patients with chronic low back pain and disc degeneration.Spine2003281913-1921Q In patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP), is instrumented lumbar fusion (ILF) more effective than cognitive therapy plus exercise (CTE) for reducing CLBP related disability and pain?

For correspondence: Dr J I Brox, National Hospital, Oslo, Norway. [email protected]

Sources of funding: Norwegian Federal Government and Health and Rehabilitation Foundation.

Evidence Based Medicine 9(2):p 51, April 2004.

Clinical impact ratings GP/FP/Primary care ★★★★★★☆ Neurology ★★★★★★☆