Conservative treatment of sciatica: a systematic review

CRD COMMENTARY:

The aims were stated and the inclusion criteria were defined in terms of study design, intervention and participants. The inclusion criteria were not defined in terms of the outcomes. The search included two relevant databases, and full details of the keywords were given. In addition, experts in the field were contacted. The possibility for publication bias was discussed. It was not stated whether any language restrictions were applied.
The methods used to select the studies for inclusion were not described. The primary studies were restricted to RCTs. A formal validity assessment was undertaken and the results were presented. Relevant information on the individual studies was tabulated.
Data were pooled in a meta-analysis, and homogeneity was illustrated graphically. A sensitivity analysis was undertaken to examine the influence of some study characteristics (including quality) on the results. However, a formal test for heterogeneity should have been provided.
The evidence presented supports the authors' conclusions.