Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 8, 2025

Metacarpal Small Incision for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Published on: April 5, 2024
Adherence to Complication Reporting for Randomized Controlled Trials Contained in Clinical Practice Guidelines for
Yagiz Ozdag1, Daniel S Hayes1, Clarice Callahan1
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Geisinger Musculoskeletal Institute, Danville, PA.
Purpose:
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are frequently used in creating recommendations contained within clinical practice guidelines (CPGs). However, investigations outside of hand surgery have reported that RCTs within CPGs infrequently report complications and harms-related data. Our purpose was to assess adherence to complication reporting and harms-related outcomes contained in the Consolidated Standards for Reporting (CONSORT) Extension of Harms and Standards for Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (STARD) reporting checklists for RCTs within the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery (AAOS) CPGs for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).
Methods:
We identified all RCTs within the AAOS CTS CPGs. All therapeutic RCTs and diagnostic studies were included. We used the CONSORT Harms Checklist criteria to assess adherence to the reporting of adverse events for therapeutic RCTs and the STARD criteria to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the articles. We defined adequate compliance as adherence to ≥50% of the checklist items.
Results:
We identified 82 therapeutic RCTs and 90 diagnostic accuracy articles within the AAOS CTS CPG. For therapeutic RCTs, we found that the average compliance with the published checklists was 19%. For diagnostic studies, the average compliance with checklists was found to be 55%. Eleven therapeutic RCTs (13%) and 60 diagnostic studies (67%) were determined to have adequate compliance for the CONSORT and STARD checklists, respectively.
Conclusions:
Randomized controlled trials in the AAOS CPGs for CTS have low compliance with the CONSORT Extension for Harms Checklist. Although the overall adherence to the items published in the STARD statement for diagnostic accuracy evaluation remains higher, future efforts should be made to improve the adherence rates to both checklists.
Clinical Relevance:
Improved standardization of complication reporting may aid in comparing outcomes across multiple clinical investigations of upper-extremity procedures.
More Related Videos
06:40Screening of Axonal Degeneration in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Using Ultrasonography and Nerve Conduction Studies
Published on: January 11, 2019
05:18Author Spotlight: Ultrasound-Guided Needle Release Combined with Corticosteroid Injection for the Treatment of Supinator Syndrome
Published on: May 26, 2023
Related Concept Videos
Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Assessing Blood Pressure
Types of Reports III: Telephone and Verbal Reports
Here's an overview of each type:
Telephone Orders
Guidelines for Nursing Documentation I
Factual:
The following points emphasize the significance of upholding accurate and unbiased documentation in healthcare.
Guidelines and Strategies for Safe Computer Charting
Maintain Confidentiality and Security:
Types of Reports I: Hands-off Report
Following are the key components and categories of hand-off reports:
Purpose and Process:
Guidelines for Nursing Documentation II
Timely documentation is crucial to ensure continuity of care for patients. Any delays in recording or reporting medical information can result in medical errors and even adverse patient outcomes. From medication administration to diagnostic test results, every detail must be accurately and promptly documented to provide the best possible care for patients.