Abstract
Introduction: Outcome reporting following THR constitute a significant proportion of orthopaedic publications. Publication bias in the form of underreporting of studies showing non satisfactory or negative results is a well recognised problem in other specialities. We tried to find out the magnitude of this problem in orthopaedics publications dealing with THR.
Method and materials: We reviewed all publications on THR in the year 2004 in three general orthopaedic journals namely JBJS (BR), JBJS (Am), CORR. Of the 1034 original articles published in these three journals more than 400 articles were concerned with total hip replacement.
Results and Discussion: In this study we found only 6% of the published articles were showing non significant or negative results. This raises concerns about evidence based approach in THR and the need for preventive measures like registering all clinical trials and change in the attitude of editorial board.
Correspondence should be addressed to The Secretary, BHS, c/o BOA, The Royal College of Surgeons, 35–43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PE.
