ATLAS

Study design

Assessment and Treatment of Leg pain Associated with the Spine

Patients with low back and leg pain, including sciatica, tend to experience more severe symptoms compared to those with back pain alone, take longer to recover and have poorer outcomes. Research evidence however, is limited for this group of patients in primary care, or is extrapolated from mixed populations of non-specific low back with or without leg pain and/or sciatica. The ATLAS study is a prospective observational epidemiological cohort of patients with low back and leg pain including sciatica, seeking treatment for their symptoms in primary care. The study aims to investigate the clinical course and prognostic indicators of outcome over twelve months and over 3, 4 and 5 years. Better understanding of the factors influencing outcome in these patients at the setting where most consult will improve care.

Primary objective

The aims of the ATLAS study are to describe the clinical, imaging, demographic characteristics and health economic outcomes for patients seeking treatment in primary care for low back and leg pain including sciatica, and to identify prognostic indicators of outcome over time, for the whole cohort and for those diagnosed with sciatica.