Appropriate Use Criteria
Osteoporotic Vertebral Fracture
Introduction
Evidence-based information is needed to optimize medical decision making and subsequent treatment outcomes. For those circumstances where strong evidence is lacking, determination of evidence-based appropriateness of individual treatment can be challenging. NASS is concurrently completing a CPG for Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures. The purpose of the guideline is to provide evidence-based recommendations to address key clinical questions surrounding the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporotic fractures of the spine. The guideline provides recommendations based on a strict analytical process, and strength of the recommendations are based solely on the quality of the literature for each developed question. Through a comprehensive literature review and an extensive vetting process, they provide excellent information where high quality evidence exists, and highlight knowledge gaps. They do not answer questions for which there is little or no evidence. AUCs are used in NASS and other specialty organizations as a means of determining appropriate recommendations for medical care. Accepted methodology was developed to determine reasonable recommendations for treatments.1 While high-level evidence is ideal, an AUC allows for recommendations to be developed regardless of the available level of evidence. AUC specify when it is appropriate to use a procedure. They are developed based on available evidence combined with a rigorous, transparent recommendation process using well-defined scenarios while considering the relative balance of potential benefit and harm of a procedure. Recommendations are arguably most accurate for those procedures that have high level evidence and wide consensus. Importantly, however, they can be developed regardless of quality of evidence, and thus have an intrinsic added value. The objective of the NASS AUC is to define appropriate (or reasonable) care for spinal disorders. This document outlines the development and results of AUC for the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral fractures.