To Zoom or not to Zoom? A retrospective comparative study to assess the validity of video versus face-to-face consultations and examinations for diagnosing lower back pain in Wales

The study findings indicate that the initial spinal VCs and examinations are effective, safe, and beneficial in the evaluation of low back pain, providing the same diagnostic accuracy as initial F2F consultations. All erroneous motor deficit findings were false positive, which means that no serious pathology was missed during the initial VC evaluation. Future research should focus on refining virtual examination techniques, particularly for assessing motor deficits.