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Research methodologic quality varies significantly by subspecialty: An analysis of AAOS meeting abstracts
Kimberly E Souza1, Jeremy Y Chan2, Sean T Campbell3
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, (KES), United States.
Background:
The purpose of this study was to compare the level of evidence and study type of clinical abstracts accepted to the 2017 AAOS Annual Meeting based on subspecialty.
Methods:
All clinical abstracts presented at the 2017 AAOS Annual Meeting were assessed by two independent raters for LOE and study type. Nonparametric statistics and chi-square test were used to compare LOE and study types between subspecialties.
Results:
A total of 1083 abstracts met inclusion criteria. There was a significant difference in LOE of abstracts by subspecialty (p < 0.001). Shoulder/elbow, adult reconstruction knee, hand/wrist, and sports had the highest percentage of level I and II studies. The type of study also varied significantly by subspecialty (p = 0.005).
Discussion:
Methodologic quality of clinical studies presented at the 2017 AAOS Annual Meeting differed significantly among subspecialties. Orthopedic researchers should look to the fields producing the highest quality studies in an effort to improve methodological quality.
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