Proper Patient Selection and Choosing the Right Treatment: The Recipe for Good Clinical Outcomes

Abstract

Ensuring good clinical outcomes in orthopaedic surgery requires a structured, evidence-based approach to decision making. We suggest that the formula for ensuring these results involves 2 key components: proper patient selection and choosing the appropriate intervention. Proper patient selection involves identifying individuals with the greatest likelihood of success when considering known risk factors for poor outcomes. Choosing the appropriate intervention requires taking into account all patient factors and aligning patient-specific needs with established treatment indications. Surgeons are advised to avoid pitfalls such as choosing to operate on all-comers or expanding surgical indications beyond evidence-based thresholds. By integrating these 2 components, surgeons can enhance their decision-making process and maximize patient success.

Level of Evidence

Level V, expert opinion.