Question What interventions are effective in managing patients with chronic low back pain? Conclusion The interventions that are better than control in achieving at least a 30% reduction in pain are exercise, oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), duloxetine, and opioids,…

Question Is electroacupuncture safe and effective in the treatment of adults with chronic low back pain? Conclusion This study found mixed results on the benefits of electroacupuncture in treating adults with chronic low back pain. Although no significant difference occurred…

Question In patients with chronic coronary artery disease, does colchicine reduce the risk of cardiovascular events? Conclusion Colchicine 0.5 mg daily significantly reduces the risk of myocardial infarction (MI) and ischemia-driven revascularization. For the compositive outcome of cardiovascular death, MI,…

Question Does the combination of baricitinib and remdesivir improve outcomes in patients hospitalized with COVID-19? Conclusion Kalil AC, Patterson TF, Mehta AK, et al. Baricitinib plus remdesivir for hospitalized adults with Covid-19. N Engl J Med. Published online December 11,…

Question Are repeat bone mineral density tests necessary to identify women who are susceptible to fracture? Conclusion Rechecking bone mineral density (BMD) after 3 years does not add additional prognostic information. In other words, not much changes in 3 years…

Question Do common musculoskeletal surgical procedures produce better pain relief than no surgery? Conclusion Sure, musculoskeletal surgery is invaluable for unintentional injury. But for conditions associated with chronic pain — such as knee, shoulder, wrist, neck, or back pain —…

Question What signs, symptoms, or laboratory values are diagnostic for giant cell (temporal) arteritis?   Conclusion No single laboratory test or physical finding by itself is useful to identify patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA); even the classic hallmarks of…

Question Are older antiviral drugs beneficial for adults hospitalized with COVID-19? Conclusion This large open-label randomized trial found no benefit to remdesivir, interferon, lopinavir, or hydroxychloroquine for adults hospitalized with COVID-19. The only possible benefit was seen with remdesivir in…