How-To Create an Orthopaedic Systematic Review: A Step-by-step Guide Part II: Study Execution

Area of Science:

• Orthopaedic Surgery
• Evidence-Based Medicine

Background:

• Systematic reviews and meta-analyses represent the highest level of evidence in medicine.
• They synthesize findings from multiple primary studies to answer specific research questions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive guide for conducting systematic reviews in orthopaedic arthroplasty.
• The guide covers the entire process from design to publication.

Main Methods:

• Focuses on data quality assessment using tools like Cochrane Risk of Bias and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.
• Details methods for data interpretation, analysis, and conversion into a publishable manuscript.
• Recommends adherence to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines.

Main Results:

• Explains common data presentation methods, including forest plots with odds ratios and confidence intervals.
• Highlights the importance of discussing limitations such as publication bias and heterogeneity.

Conclusions:

• This review serves as a foundational resource for researchers undertaking orthopaedic arthroplasty systematic reviews.
• Emphasizes rigorous methodology and transparent reporting for high-quality evidence synthesis.