Avanish Yendluri, Ara Alexanian, Rohit R Chari, John J Corvi, Nikan K Namiri, Junho Song, Michael J Alaia, Xinning Li, Robert L Parisien
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Objective: Marrow stimulation is used to address knee cartilage defects. In this study, we used the fragility index (FI), reverse fragility index (rFI), and fragility quotient (FQ) to evaluate statistical fragility of outcomes reported in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating marrow stimulation.
Design: PubMed, Embase, and MEDLINE were queried for recent RCTs (January 1, 2010-September 5, 2023) assessing marrow stimulation for cartilage defects of the knee. The FI and rFI were calculated as the number of outcome event reversals required to alter statistical significance for significant and nonsignificant outcomes, respectively. The FQ was determined by dividing the FI by the study sample size.
Results: Across 155 total outcomes from 21 RCTs, the median FI was 3 (interquartile range [IQR], 2-5), with an associated median FQ of 0.067 (IQR, 0.033-0.010). Thirty-two outcomes were statistically significant, with a median FI of 2 (IQR, 1-3.25) and FQ of 0.050 (IQR, 0.025-0.069). Ten of the 32 (31.3%) outcomes reported as statistically significant had an FI of 1. In total, 123 outcomes were nonsignificant, with a median rFI of 3 (IQR, 2-5). Studies assessing stem cell augments were the most fragile, with a median FI of 2. In 55.5% of outcomes, the number of patients lost to follow-up was greater than or equal to the FI.
Conclusion: Statistical findings in RCTs evaluating marrow stimulation for cartilage defects of the knee are statistically fragile. We recommend combined reporting of P-values with FI and FQ metrics to aid in the interpretation of clinical findings in comparative trials assessing cartilage restoration.
期刊介绍:
CARTILAGE publishes articles related to the musculoskeletal system with particular attention to cartilage repair, development, function, degeneration, transplantation, and rehabilitation. The journal is a forum for the exchange of ideas for the many types of researchers and clinicians involved in cartilage biology and repair. A primary objective of CARTILAGE is to foster the cross-fertilization of the findings between clinical and basic sciences throughout the various disciplines involved in cartilage repair.
The journal publishes full length original manuscripts on all types of cartilage including articular, nasal, auricular, tracheal/bronchial, and intervertebral disc fibrocartilage. Manuscripts on clinical and laboratory research are welcome. Review articles, editorials, and letters are also encouraged. The ICRS envisages CARTILAGE as a forum for the exchange of knowledge among clinicians, scientists, patients, and researchers.
The International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) is dedicated to promotion, encouragement, and distribution of fundamental and applied research of cartilage in order to permit a better knowledge of function and dysfunction of articular cartilage and its repair.