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Table 3 Evaluation and Clinical Decision Making

From: Management of patients with prior lumbar fusion: a cross-sectional survey of Veterans Affairs chiropractors’ attitudes, beliefs, and practices

Characteristic

Mean (SD) or Number (%)

Appropriate Number of Treatments to Reach MTB

 1–3

1 (1.6)

 4–6

7 (11.3)

 7–9

24 (38.7)

 10–12

26 (41.9)

  ≥ 13

4 (6.5)

Typical Imaging Requirements for Patients with Prior Lumbar Fusion (Missing = 2)

 No Specific Requirement

10 (16.7)

 Lumbar Radiograph (AP/Lateral/Oblique)

33 (55)

 Lumbar Radiograph (Flexion/Extension)

21 (35)

 CT Scan

1 (1.7)

 MRI with Contrast

6 (10)

Earliest Initiation of Thrust Manipulation Following L4–5 Fusion Surgery (Lumbar Region) (Missing = 9)

 1 Month

0 (0.0)

 6 Months

11 (20.8)

 1 Year

25 (47.2)

  ≥ 2 Years

4 (7.5)

 Never

13 (24.5)

Earliest Initiation of Thrust Manipulation Following L4–5 Fusion Surgery (Thoracic and/or Pelvic Regions) (Missing = 12)

 1 Month

5 (10.0)

 6 Months

32 (64.0)

 1 Year

12 (24.0)

  ≥ 2 Years

0 (0)

 Never

1 (0.2)

Educational Materials Regularly Provided to Patient (Missing = 1)

 Written Materials

16 (26.2)

 Online Resources

10 (16.4)

 Not Regularly Provided

35 (57.4)

Communication with Spinal Surgeon for post fusion patients (Missing = 1)

 I don’t receive/accept referrals for post fusion patients

5 (8.2)

 1 time per day

0 (0)

 1 time per week

1 (1.6)

 1 time per month

11 (18.0)

 1 time per year

15 (24.6)

  < 1 time per year

29 (47.5)

Communication with Referring Provider for post fusion patients (Missing = 1)

 I don’t receive/accept referrals for this population

3 (4.9)

 1 time per day

0 (0)

 1 time per week

4 (6.6)

 1 time per month

30 (49.2)

 1 time per year

15 (24.6)

  < 1 time per year

9 (14.8)

  1. MMI Maximum Therapeutic Benefit