Study Design and Analysis in Hand Surgery Research: Tips for Success

J Hand Surg Am. 2023 Sep;48(9):941-946. doi: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2023.04.002. Epub 2023 May 12.

Abstract

Hand surgeons are constantly faced with evaluation of new evidence to identify best practices in clinical care. However, even the most rigorous study designs have limitations due to biases, generalizability, and other flaws. Here, we highlight seven common aspects of study design and analysis that should be considered by hand surgeons when interpreting findings. The evaluation of these practices can optimize the peer-review process and assess the value of evidence to be incorporated into clinical practice.

Keywords: Data; P value; methodology; methods; statistics.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Hand / surgery
  • Humans
  • Research Design
  • Specialties, Surgical*
  • Surgeons*