Using the modified Delphi method to establish a new Chinese clinical consensus of the treatments for cervical radiculopathy.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

Although cervical radiculopathy is very common, there is no standard treatment for this condition, with little high-level evidence available to guide the treatment choice. Thus, this study aimed to review the current data on the management of cervical radiculopathy; and, further, to establish a new Chinese clinical consensus of the treatments for cervical radiculopathy using the Delphi method.

METHODS:

First, a systematic review of the previously established treatment guidelines and of articles related to cervical radiculopathy was conducted to establish a protocol for the clinical consensus of the treatment for cervical radiculopathy. Second, from February 2012 to June 2014, we performed a modified Delphi survey in which the current professional opinions from 30 experienced experts, representing almost all of the Chinese provinces, were gathered. Three rounds were performed, and consensus was defined as ≥70% agreement.

RESULTS:

Consensus of the treatments for cervical radiculopathy was reached on seven aspects, including the proportion of patients requiring only non-surgical therapies; the effectiveness of neck immobilization, physiotherapy, pharmacologic treatment; surgical indications; contraindications; surgery.

CONCLUSIONS:

The modified Delphi study conducted herein reached a consensus concerning several treatment issues for cervical radiculopathy. In the absence of high-level evidence, at present, these expert opinion findings will help guide health care providers to define the appropriate treatment in their regions. Items with no consensus provide excellent areas for future research.

• Authors: Lei Zang, Ning Fan, Yong Hai, S B Lu, Q J Su, J C Yang, Peng Du, Y J Gao
• Journal: European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society (Eur Spine J) Vol. 24 Issue 6 Pg. 1116-26 (Jun 2015) ISSN: 1432-0932 [Electronic] Germany
• PMID: 25753006 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Topics

• China
• Decompression, Surgical
• Delphi Technique
• Female
• Humans
• Immobilization
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Orthopedic Procedures
• Physical Therapy Modalities
• Radiculopathy (therapy)