research can be a long and arduous journey. The SMART Approach to Spine Clinical Research presents and explains the many interrelated components essential to spine clinical research in an easily accessible way, guiding you step-by-step through the principles and methods of planning and evaluating clinical research. With a special focus on bias reduction and spine-related case examples, this SMART approach represents those essential components: • Study question • Searching the literature • Study design • Measurements • Analysis • Resources and funding • Timing Also addressed in the book are special topics such as getting your manuscript published and conducting a meta-analysis. This SMART approach provides a clear and simple road map for the planning, execution, and critical appraisal of clinical research.