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NEJM Studies: What's Next for Vertebral Augmentation? Evaluating the Evidence, Assessing the Implications

A continuing education self-study activity (0.75 CME) for physicians and nurses.

This learning activity is available as an on-demand webcast and is intended for:

  • Specialists, including Radiologists, Orthopedic Surgeons, Neuro Surgeons and General Surgeons;

  • Referring Physicians, including Primary Care Specialties of Internal Medicine, Family Practice, General Practice, Emergency Medicine, Geriatrics, Rheumatology, Hospitalists and Chiropractic Physicians; and

  • Allied Health Professionals, including Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners, Physical Therapists and Nurses.

Objectives:

In 2009, the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) published two randomized, controlled studies that found percutaneous vertebroplasty in the treatment of painful, osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (VCF) was no more effective than a placebo procedure. Amidst lay press reports declaring the procedure "useless," the North American Spine Society (NASS) cautioned that the results may not be decisive and urged spine care providers to examine data from the two studies carefully in considering how best to manage with their patients with VCF.

This nationwide, interactive webcast features David Kallmes, MD, lead investigator of one of the studies published in the NEJM. Dr. Kallmes will offer an overview of the study and how he recommends the outcomes be applied. Then, William Clark, MD, an author of one of the first letters accepted by the NEJM to respond to the studies, will provide an alternate view.

The purpose of this program is to help clinicians-both those who perform the procedure and those who refer patients to specialists-better understand the studies' findings and how best to apply those results to everyday practice.

To access the program, go to:
https://attewc.webex.com/attewc/lsr.php?AT=pb&SP=EC&rID=4913313&rKey=8472725BD7335340

Continuing education link:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/vertebralaugmentation

* Content including webcasts, continuing education, white papers and conference proceedings found in this section do not necessarily relate to CareFusion products.