Table 2. Methodological Quality Assessment of Randomized Trials of Epidural Injections and Percutaneous Adhesiolysis in Post Lumbar Surgery Syndrome a,b.
| Manchikanti et al. (52) | Heavner et al. (54) | Manchikanti et al. (55) | Manchikanti et al. (76) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Randomization adequate | Y | Y | Y | N |
| Concealed treatment allocation | Y | Y | Y | N |
| Patient blinded | Y | Y | Y | N |
| Care provider blinded | N | N | N | N |
| Outcome assessor blinded | N | Y | N | N |
| Drop-out rate described | N | N | N | N |
| All randomized participants analyzed in the group | Y | N | Y | Y |
| Reports of the study free of suggestion of selective outcome reporting | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Groups similar at baseline regarding most important prognostic indicators | Y | Y | Y | N |
| Co-interventions avoided or similar | Y | Y | Y | N |
| Compliance acceptable in all groups | Y | Y | Y | N |
| Time of outcome assessment in all groups similar | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Score | 9/12 | 9/12 | 9/12 | 3/12 |
a Source: Furlan AD, Pennick V, Bombardier C, van Tulder Ml; Editorial Board, Cochrane Back Review Group. 2009 updated method guidelines for systematic reviews in the Cochrane Back Review Group. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2009; 34 (18): 1929 – 41) (60).
b Abbreviations: N = No; U = Unclear; Y = Yes.