Causal language and inferences in observational rotator cuff database studies published from 2013 to 2022.

Background: The use of large multi-institutional databases in rotator cuff repair (RCR) research is expanding, but these studies are observational and cannot establish causation. This study examines the prevalence of causal language in clinical RCR database studies published from 2013 to 2022.

Methods: Administrative database and clinical registry studies on RCR published in eight orthopaedic journals from 2013 to 2022 were systematically identified and graded by two reviewers for the presence, absence, or inconsistent use of causal language in both the title/abstract and the full text.

Financial Conflicts of Interest and Industry Funding are Associated With Conclusions Favorable to New Technologies: A Review of Published Economic Analyses in Hip and Knee Arthroplasty.

Background: New technologies in hip and knee arthroplasty are commonly evaluated using cost-effectiveness analyses and similar economic assessments. There is a wide variation in the methodology of these studies, introducing the potential for bias. The purpose of this study was to evaluate associations between potential financial conflicts of interest (COI) and the outcomes of economic analyses.

Catastrophic Early Failure and Fragmentation of a Modern Moderately Cross-linked Polyethylene Acetabular Liner.

A 60-year-old man who underwent uncomplicated staged bilateral total hip arthroplasty for femoral head osteonecrosis presented with mechanical catching of his left total hip arthroplasty 3 years after index surgery. Radiographs revealed eccentricity of the left femoral head, concerning the failure of a modern moderately cross-linked polyethylene liner. Catastrophic polyethylene liner failure with significant wear, fragmentation, and femoral head abrasion was noted during revision surgery.

The use of causal language and inferences in observational shoulder arthroplasty database studies.

Background: Over the last few decades, several databases and clinical registries have been used to generate studies for orthopedic surgery research including shoulder arthroplasty. Observational database studies present data that are best used to provide information regarding associations between variables but is unable to prove causation. Yet, there remains a tendency for authors to use causal language and conclusive statements in published shoulder arthroplasty literature using such databases.

High Prevalence of Causal Language and Inferences in Observational Hip and Knee Arthroplasty Database Studies: A Review of Papers Published Across Four Orthopaedic Journals.

Background: The use of administrative databases and clinical registries in lower extremity arthroplasty research is growing. Such observational studies are unable to fully control for confounders and cannot establish causality. However, many authors use causal language when describing their aims or findings, potentially misleading readers.