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September 16, 2009
Vertebroplasty sham
The NEJM contains two studies and an editorial on vertebroplasty. Both were blinded, randomized, controlled trials. One was done in Australia, the other at 11 centers around the world, by a Mayo Clinic lead. Cement is injected into the compression fractured vertebra. It makes sense that the procedure should help the pain and disability from such a backbone fracture.
But it doesn't, at least any better than a sham procedure. And it is not cheap. Just like with the knee arthroscopy proved to be useless, do you think anyone will be reimbursed, or at least apologized to?
| By Robert Maddox | 1:20 PM