Figure 3.

Forest plot of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing physical therapy and surgery. Values represent weighted mean difference (95% confidence interval). The pooled effects were calculated using fixed-effect models (all I²=0%) for pain at 6 months for the cohort studies and for disability at 2 years. All other pooled effects were calculated using random-effects models. Pain at 6 months RCTs I²=89%, pain at 1 year RCT I²=85%, pain at 2 years RCT I²=76%, disability at 6 months I²=63%, and disability at 1 year I²=76%. Pain and disability outcomes are presented on a 0 to 100 scale, and walking ability is presented in meters. Positive values favor surgery for the outcomes of pain and disability but favor physical therapy for ambulation time because high pain and disability are unfavorable outcomes, whereas high walking time is favorable.