CRD summary: This review concluded that calcitonin appears effective in the management of acute pain associated with acute osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. The reporting of the review methodology suggests that this was a well-conducted review. However, poor reporting of the individual study data means that it is not possible to confirm the reliability of the authors' conclusion.

CRD commentary: The review addressed a clear research question and the inclusion criteria were well defined. A comprehensive search strategy was performed, with attempts made to limit language and publication bias. Methods were used to minimise reviewer error and bias in the study selection, data extraction and validity assessment processes. Methodological quality was assessed, the scores suggesting that included studies were of a high methodological quality.

Adequate details about the characteristics of the included studies were given. Methods used only to combine the results of studies using comparable outcome measures would appear appropriate. Differences between the studies were explored and potential sources of heterogeneity were investigated. The authors considered the limitations in the available evidence relating to, for example, the generalisability of the results and the reporting of included studies. They also noted that three of the included studies were conducted by the same principal investigator. The methodology used in this review was well documented. However, the primary outcome data for individual studies were not reported, thus making it difficult to verify the authors' conclusion.