|
Year |
2002 |
|---|---|
|
Question Number |
202 |
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Category |
Orthopaedic Science |
Question
A study has been design to identify factors that lead to a rare orthopaedic surgical complication. A group of patients with the complication has been identified, and the next step is to compare the to a matched group of patients without the complication. What is the name of this type of study?
1- Prospective cohort
2- Randomized clinical trial
3- Case series
4- Case control
5- Retrospective clinical series
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Answer (click for answer)
Preferred Answer 4
This is a typical Case control study in which the subjects in the study group are chosen for the presence of an injury or the presence of a disease. The group is then analyzed to identify associated, clinical relevant information.
Prospective cohort, is a study in which a group of disease-free subjects is followed over time to identify onset of disease or injury. This study identify incidence and useful for stablishing relative risk.
Clinical trial (also know as Interventional study) involves the testing of an intervention. Is the gold standard of studies when done in randomized, blinded fashion. Is usually design to minimize the impact of bias and confounding factors
Case Reports and Case Series, be are presentations or descriptions of a disease or condition that occurred in one or multiple patients. These studies generate speculative associations, which can further tested by other studies.
Reference: Buckwalter JA, Einhorn TA, Simon SR(eds): Orthopaedic Basic Science: Biology and Biomechanics of the Musculoskeletal System, ed 2. Rosemont IL, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2000,pp 2-17.
Madison M: Planning the design phase of a clinical study. J Orthop Trauma 1997; 11:63-67