Statistics for the Practicing Spine Surgeon: Supplementary Data Analysis Measurements

Clin Spine Surg. 2020 Feb;33(1):35-39. doi: 10.1097/BSD.0000000000000918.

Abstract

With the rapid rise of clinical spine surgery literature in the last few decades, there is a greater need for practicing spine surgeons to confidently analyze and critique published literature within the field. The conclusions drawn from published studies are often integrated into a physician's clinical decision-making. A strong knowledge in the fundamental statistical measurements used most frequently in spine surgery literature can enhance the ability to properly interpret the meaning of a study's results. However, medical education often lacks the incorporation of clinically relevant statistical analysis. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of some of the most commonly used statistical measurements in spine surgery, specifically intraclass correlation coefficient, diagnostic testing analyses, Kaplan-Meier curves, hazard ratios, distribution, and variance.

MeSH terms

  • Analysis of Variance
  • Area Under Curve
  • Data Analysis*
  • Humans
  • Kaplan-Meier Estimate
  • Likelihood Functions
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • ROC Curve
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Spinal Diseases / diagnosis
  • Spine / surgery*
  • Statistics as Topic*
  • Surgeons*