The importance of listed factors in clinical decision making (presented as mean ± SD) as rated by the respondents on a scale from 0 (no importance) to 10 (maximal importance)
| Mean ± SD | |
| History | 9.06±1.11 |
| MRI | 8.69±1.24 |
| Plain radiographs | 8.11±2.01 |
| Physical examination | 7.53±2.15 |
| Discography | 5.34±3.09 |
| Pantaloon cast | 4.95±2.99 |
| Patient's preference | 4.75±2.25 |
| Psychological screening | 4.70±2.42 |
| Facet joint block | 4.06±2.46 |
| Bone scintigraphy | 3.80±2.59 |
| TETF | 1.96±2.59 |
TETF, temporary external transpedicular fixation.