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. 2010 May;1(1):57–65. doi: 10.1055/s-0028-1100895

Question 1: Compare the safety and efficacy of initial surgery versus nonoperative management of unilateral facet dislocations.

Outcomes Strength of evidence Conclusions/comments
1. Treatment failure graphic file with name ebsj01057-11.jpg Treatment failure rates are higher in nonoperatively managed patients compared to surgically managed patients.
2. Neurological deterioration graphic file with name ebsj01057-11.jpg Neurological deterioration happened infrequently, but occurred more frequently in nonoperative treatment versus operative treatment.
3. Wound or surgical infection graphic file with name ebsj01057-11.jpg Rate of infection ranged from 0%–12% in surgically managed patients.
4. Posttreatment pain graphic file with name ebsj01057-11.jpg Long term persistent pain occurred more frequently in nonoperative treatment compared to operative treatment.
5. Complications graphic file with name ebsj01057-11.jpg Complication rates occurred at a mean of 13.8% in surgically managed patients.

Details about the determination of strength of evidence can be found in the web appendix at www.aospine.org/ebsj