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Reproducible Research Practices in the Plastic Surgery Literature
Mona Ascha1, Leila Katabi1, Erica Stevens1
1From the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine; Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine; Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, MetroHealth Medical Center; and Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences.
Plastic surgery research lacks reproducibility. Most studies do not share data or materials, hindering scientific advancement and validation. Improving transparency is crucial for research quality.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery Research
- Scientific Reproducibility
- Publication Transparency
Background:
- Reproducible research is essential for scientific validity and advancement.
- This study quantitatively assesses reproducibility and transparency in plastic surgery literature.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the current state of research reproducibility in plastic surgery.
- To identify gaps in transparency and data/material sharing practices.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional analysis of 400 randomly selected articles from 12 plastic surgery journals over 5 years.
- Two independent reviewers assessed reproducibility and transparency variables using established methods.
- Descriptive and univariate statistical analyses were performed on 203 empirical studies.
Main Results:
- Only 3.4% of studies linked to an accessible protocol; 2.0% were preregistered.
- 97.0% lacked data availability statements, and 8.4% had material availability statements.
- No studies provided analysis scripts or claimed to replicate prior work.
Conclusions:
- Plastic surgery literature demonstrates a significant deficit in reproducible research practices.
- Most publications fail to provide necessary information and materials for study replication.
- Enhancing awareness and institutional support can elevate research quality and transparency.
