Evaluating the Statistical Fragility of Comparative Studies on Autografts for Pediatric ACL Reconstruction.

Background: The literature presents conflicting findings regarding outcomes after pediatric anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with various autograft options, reflecting a lack of consensus on the standard of practice. Fragility analyses may assist in evaluating the statistical robustness of these studies.

Purpose: To evaluate the statistical fragility of comparative studies in pediatric ACLR through the fragility index (FI) and fragility quotient (FQ), as well as qualitative factors such as outcome type, outcome significance, and patients lost to follow-up.