Background Implanted spinal neuromodulation (SNMD) techniques are used in the
treatment of refractory chronic pain. They involve the implantation of electrodes around the …

Over the past decade, the mechanisms underlying placebo effects have begun to be
identified. At the same time, the placebo response appears to have increased in …

Background Many patients report symptomatic relief after undergoing arthroscopy of the
knee for osteoarthritis, but it is unclear how the procedure achieves this result. We …

Single-sided deafness (SSD) leads to difficulties with speech perception in noise, sound
localisation, and sometimes tinnitus. Current treatments (Contralateral Routing of Sound …

Worldwide, there are at least 230 million invasive procedures performed annually and most
of us will undergo several in our lifetime. There is therefore a need for high-quality evidence …

Placebo comparisons are increasingly being considered for randomised trials assessing the
efficacy of surgical interventions. The aim of this Review is to provide a summary of …

Background An incentive spirometer (IS) is a mechanical device that promotes lung
expansion. It is commonly used to prevent postoperative lung atelectasis and decrease …

Background: Rotator cuff tears are the most common tendon injury in the adult population,
resulting in substantial morbidity. The optimum management for these patients is not known …

Background First metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis is commonly performed for
symptomatic end-stage hallux rigidus. It has been postulated to produce good results in the …

Use of a placebo control in surgical trials is a divisive issue. We argue that, in principle,
placebo controls for surgery are necessary in the same way as for medicine. However, there …