Need for Scientific Rigor in the Evaluation of Minimally Invasive Alternative Procedures

Abstract EN

This is a comment on “One-Year Follow-Up of a Series of 100 Patients Treated for Lumbar Spinal Canal Stenosis by Means of HeliFix Interspinous Process Decompression Device” [1].

We read a recent article [1] on a conservative treatment in 100 patients as a formidably minimally invasive method to improve quality of life.

We think that this article presents (supported by a tremendous number of both patients and references) an innovative approach worthy of scientific research [2].

Nevertheless, several points listed in this letter point out what is yet necessary to verify [3] for the sake of treatment effectiveness and patients’ safety.

Particularly methodological approach shows some flaws [4–6], which lead to unclear results interpretation.