scholarly journals LO69: Factors related to the eventual publication of abstracts presented at the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians annual meeting from 2013-2017

CJEM ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (S1) ◽  
pp. S31-S31
Author(s):  
V. Srivatsav ◽  
I. Nadeem ◽  
B. Zhang ◽  
S. Upadhye ◽  
Michael G. Degroote
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Medicine ◽  
Canadian Journal ◽  
Publication Rate ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Publication Date ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Canadian Association ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Chi Squared ◽  
Negative Findings

Introduction: Much of the research presented at conference meetings never go on to be published in peer-reviewed literature, thereby limiting the dispersion of these findings to a larger audience. We sought to assess if this was true with regard to CAEP meetings, by establishing the publication rate and factors correlated with publication of CAEP abstracts in peer-reviewed journals from 2013-2017. Methods: We conducted a scoping review that included all CAEP abstracts from 2013-2017, obtained through the Canadian Journal of Emergency Medicine. Two reviewers screened and extracted data from all abstracts individually, with any conflicts resolved by a third reviewer. Data extracted from abstracts included province of authors, sample size, study design, the presence of statistically positive or negative findings, status of publication, date of acceptance to a journal, and journal of publication. Databases searched for publication status included MEDLINE, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library and Ovid Health Star. A level of evidence (LOE) was assigned using the 2011 Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine criteria. Results: All abstracts (1090) from 2014-2017 have been analyzed thus far. Inter-rater agreement for data extraction was high ( value 0.85). 17.1% (186/1090) of abstracts presented at the conference had a corresponding full text publication in the peer-reviewed literature. Articles were published in 102 different journals, with the greatest number of publications in the Canadian Journal of Emergency Medicine (CJEM) (15.1%, 28/186), followed by Academic Emergency Medicine (10.2%, 19/186). The mean time to publication was 51 weeks (95% CI 43,59). 30.6% (57/186) of published abstracts had statistically positive findings, while 10.8% (20/186) had negative findings. A significant difference was present between publication findings and publication status (p<0.0001, chi-squared). 68.8% (128/186) of published articles were of level III evidence. A statistical difference was found between LOE and publication status (p<0.0001, chi-squared). Conclusion: A large number of abstracts presented at CAEP are presently unpublished. There may be a publication bias in the literature as a greater number of studies with positive findings have been published. Additionally, two-thirds of studies published are of level III evidence. An increasing emphasis should be placed in publishing studies with higher levels of evidence, and more studies with negative findings.

scholarly journals P144: Assessment of the quality of evidence presented at the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians annual meeting over a five-year period (2013-2017)

CJEM ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (S1) ◽  
pp. S108-S108
Author(s):  
V. Srivatsav ◽  
B. Zhang ◽  
I. Nadeem ◽  
S. Upadhye ◽  
Michael G. Degroote
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Medicine ◽  
Annual Meeting ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Canadian Association ◽  
Predominant Type ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Chi Squared ◽  
Level I ◽  
Economic Analyses

Introduction: The CAEP annual meeting presents the latest evidence for clinical practice, but there has not yet been an appraisal of the abstracts presented at this conference. Therefore, we sought to evaluate the level of evidence of research presented at the annual meeting, and assess for trends over a five-year period (2013-2017). Methods: We conducted a scoping review that included all CAEP abstracts from 2013-2017, obtained through the Canadian Journal of Emergency Medicine. Two reviewers assessed eligibility and extracted data from abstracts individually, with conflicts resolved by a third reviewer. Qualitative research was excluded. Extracted data included type of presentation (ex. oral, poster), sample size, study design and type of study (therapeutic, prognostic, diagnostic, education, quality improvement, or systems-wide/economic analyses research). A level of evidence (LOE) was assigned using the 2011 Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine criteria. Results: Abstracts from 2014-2017 have been analyzed thus far, 1090 of which were eligible and 990 included. Inter-rater agreement for screening and data extraction was high ( value 0.87 and 0.84 respectively). Systems-wide/economic analyses research was the predominant type of study (28.6%, 283/990), followed by therapeutic (19.9%, 197/990) and education (19.9%, 195/990). The mean LOE was 2.81 (95% CI 2.77,2.85). The highest proportion of studies were of level III evidence (77.7%, 769/990), followed by level II (9.6%, 95/990) and level I evidence (7.8%, 77/990). 72.1% (124/172) of all level I and II abstracts were presented in 2016 and 2017. A significant change in LOE between years was evident (p<0.0001, chi-squared). The greatest proportion of level I and II abstracts were lightning oral (41.9%, 72/172), followed by posters (36.0%, 62/172). The best average LOE was observed for lightning oral (2.64, 95% CI 2.56, 2.72), with the poorest average LOE witnessed for moderated posters (2.90, 95% CI 2.83, 2.97). A significant difference was present in mean LOE between types of presentations (p<0.0001, one-sided ANOVA). Conclusion: The majority of abstracts were level III evidence. The lightning oral sessions had the greatest proportion of level I and II evidence presented. Recent years of the conference have also seen the presentation of a greater number of level I and II evidence, which may suggest a shift towards generating and disseminating higher level evidence in emergency medicine.

scholarly journals The Effectiveness and Safety of Thunder Fire Moxibustion for Treating Allergic Rhinitis: A PRISMA Compliant Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Ting Yuan ◽  
Jun Xiong ◽  
Jun Yang ◽  
Xue Wang ◽  
Yunfeng Jiang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Allergic Rhinitis ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Total Effective Rate ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Effective Rate ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Significant Difference

Background. Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a noninfectious inflammatory disease caused by allergic individuals exposed to allergens. Western medicine therapy for treating AR causes obvious adverse events, while thunder fire moxibustion (TFM) is known as a safe and effective treatment for AR. Therefore, we conducted this meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of TFM for treating AR. Methods. PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, WanFang, VIP, and CBM from inception to April 5, 2020, were searched without any language restriction. Reviewers identified studies, extracted data, and assessed the quality, independently. The primary outcomes were the total effective rate and the TNSS. The secondary outcomes included TNNSS, RQLQ, VAS, serum IgE, IgA, or IgG level, and adverse events. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were collected; methodological quality was evaluated using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool (RoB), and the level of evidence was rated using the GRADE approach. Meta-analysis was performed using the RevMan5.3.0 software. Results. A total of 18 RCTs were included, including 1600 patients. The results of this meta-analysis showed a statistically significant effect in a total effective rate of T = TFM (RR = 1.07; 95% CI [1.03, 1.12]; P=0.45; I2 = 0%) and T = TFM + other treatments (RR = 1.18; 95% CI [1.11, 1.25]; P=0.03; I2 = 53%). In addition, TFM intervention also showed significant difference in total symptom score (T = TFM + other treatments) (MD = −1.42; 95% CI [−1.55, −1.29]; P=0.03; I2 = 60%) in patients with AR. Conclusion. Existing evidence shows that TFM is safe and effective for AR. Due to the universal low quality of the eligible trials and low evidence level, we should draw our conclusions with caution. Therefore, clinical researchers should carry out more large-sample, multicentre, high-quality randomized controlled clinical trials in the future to verify the clinical efficacy of TFM in treating AR.

Prone versus modified supine percutaneous nephrolithotomy: which is more cost effective in an Australian tertiary teaching hospital?

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 391-395
Author(s):  
Isabel E-Hui Chu ◽  
Weranja Ranasinghe ◽  
Madeleine Nina Jones ◽  
Philip McCahy
Keyword(s):  
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Renal Stones ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Tertiary Teaching ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Chi Squared ◽  
Recovery Times ◽  
Operative Costs

Introduction: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy is currently one of the main treatment options for large renal stones, but the effect of positioning on comparative costing has been scarcely documented. We aimed to compare the cost effectiveness of modified supine with traditional prone percutaneous nephrolithotomy procedures in the context of Victoria, Australia. Materials and methods: A prospective group of 236 renal units (224 patients) was included in the two-site study, with 76 performed in the prone position and 160 performed in the modified supine position. Costing was calculated using a ‘bottom-up’, all-inclusive framework that generates per-hour costs for theatre, recovery unit and ward costs from base costs and maintenance costs. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy-specific equipment was added to calculate comparative costs of modified supine versus prone procedures. Chi squared and T tests were used for statistical analysis. Results: There was a significant difference in the overall costing between the modified supine and prone groups. The modified supine group had a lower total cost (AUD$6424.29) compared to the prone group (AUD$7494.79) ( P=0.007), lower operative costs (AUD$4250.93 vs. AUD$5084.29, P=0.002) and lower ward costs (AUD$533.55 vs. AUD$1130.20, P<0.001). There was no significant difference in recovery times in the modified supine and prone groups, although the modified supine group appeared to have shorter recovery times (AUD$690.69 vs. AUD$586.05, P=0.209). Conclusions: Modified supine percutaneous nephrolithotomy has significantly lower total costs, operative costs and ward costs compared to prone percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Larger randomised trials are needed to assess these findings further. Level of evidence: Not applicable for this multicentre audit.

scholarly journals Effect of respiratory therapy on pulmonary functions in children with cerebral palsy: a systematic review

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eman H. El Banna ◽  
Eman I. El Hadidy ◽  
Walaa M. Ali
Keyword(s):  
Cerebral Palsy ◽  
Empirical Support ◽  
Respiratory Therapy ◽  
Forced Expiratory Volume ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Respiratory Dysfunction ◽  
Pulmonary Functions ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Children With Cerebral Palsy

Abstract Background Children with cerebral palsy (CP) are at risk for respiratory dysfunction. Early initiation of pulmonary rehabilitation in addition to conventional physical therapy may result in improvement and maintenance of chest mobility and respiratory function. However, empirical support for respiratory therapy is limited. The aim of the review was to assess the evidence of the effectiveness of respiratory therapy on pulmonary functions in children with CP. Methods Four electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), and Google Scholar) were searched till December 2019 using predefined terms by two independent reviewers. Randomized controlled trials published in English were included if they met the following criteria: population—children with different types of CP of both sex, aged up to 18 years; intervention—respiratory therapy; outcomes—pulmonary functions. Eight studies with 235 participants only met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. Predefined data were tabulated using American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine by two reviewers and verified by a third reviewer. Methodological quality was assessed using rating system of quality assessment and PEDro scale; also, levels of evidence adopted from modified Sacket’s scale were used for each outcome. Results The quality of studies ranged from excellent (one study) to good (five studies) and fair (two studies). The results showed level 1 (six studies) and level 2 (two studies) on modified Sacket’s scale for level of evidence. Lack of allocation concealment and blinding was the major risk of bias in the included studies. Conclusions Meta-analysis revealed significant difference in the improvement of vital capacity, peak expiratory flow, and forced expiratory volume at 1 s in favor of the study groups. However, there is a need for high-quality studies to draw a clear conclusion.

scholarly journals Back to Basics: Could the Preoperative Skin Antiseptic Agent Help Prevent Biofilm-Related Capsular Contracture?

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (8) ◽  
pp. 848-859 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenny Carvajal ◽  
Melissa Carvajal ◽  
Gilma Hernández
Keyword(s):  
Breast Augmentation ◽  
Capsular Contracture ◽  
Bacterial Biofilm ◽  
Skin Microbiome ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Clinical Safety ◽  
Skin Preparation ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Chi Squared ◽  
Healthcare Epidemiology

AbstractBackgroundCapsular contracture (CC) has remained an unresolved issue throughout history. Strong evidence focuses on bacterial biofilm as its main source. A literature review revealed that more than 90% of bacteria found in capsules and implants removed from patients with Baker grade III-IV CC belong to the resident skin microbiome (Staphylococcus epidermidis, predominant microorganism). The use of an adequate preoperative skin antiseptic may be a critical step to minimize implant contamination and help prevent biofilm-related CC.ObjectivesThe authors sought to compare the effect of 2 different antiseptic skin preparations: povidone-iodine (PVP-I) vs chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) on CC proportions after primary breast augmentation through a periareolar approach.MethodsIn June of 2014, The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America proposed to use CHG for preoperative skin preparation in the absence of alcohol-containing antiseptic agents as strategy to prevent surgical site infection. The clinical safety committee of a surgical center in Colombia decided to change PVP-I to CHG for surgical site preparation thereafter. The medical records of 63 patients who underwent to primary breast augmentation through a periareolar approach during 2014 were reviewed. In the first 6 months PVP-I was used in 32 patients, and later CHG was employed in 31 patients.ResultsPearson’s chi-squared test to compare CC proportions between subgroups showed a statistically significant difference. The CC proportion was higher for patients who had antisepsis with PVP-I. CC was absent when CHG was employed.ConclusionsCHG as preoperative skin antiseptic for primary breast augmentation surgery was more effective than PVP-I to help prevent biofilm-related CC.Level of Evidence: 3

scholarly journals Serum Osteocalcin and Testosterone Concentrations in Adult Males with or without Primary Osteoporosis: A Meta-Analysis

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhong-Yu Liu ◽  
Yang Yang ◽  
Chun-Yi Wen ◽  
Li-Min Rong
Keyword(s):  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Total Testosterone ◽  
Primary Osteoporosis ◽  
Serum Osteocalcin ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Case Control Studies ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Primary Male

Osteocalcin (Ocn) and testosterone play important roles in male skeleton. However, the concentrations of serum osteocalcin and testosterone have never been systematically compared between populations with and without primary male osteoporosis, a common skeletal disorder in adult males. We searched the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library for relevant studies. A meta-analysis was performed to compare the serum osteocalcin and testosterone concentrations between primary osteoporotic males and age-matched nonosteoporotic (non-OP) males. Five case-control studies with 300 adult males were included. We found no significant difference between cases and controls in serum total osteocalcin (TOcn) [95% confidence interval (CI): −1.25, 1.31; p=0.96] and total testosterone (TT) concentrations [95% CI: −0.88, 4.22; p=0.20]. The level of evidence of this carefully performed meta-analysis is 3a according to Oxford (UK) CEBM Levels of Evidence. Future well-designed studies with larger sample size and better standardization of Ocn assay are awaited to confirm and update our current findings.

scholarly journals A comparison of thrombosis in total knee arthroplasty with and without a tourniquet: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jia Xie ◽  
Hao Yu ◽  
Fangyuan Wang ◽  
Juehua Jing ◽  
Jun Li
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Total Knee Arthroplasty ◽  
Knee Arthroplasty ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Duration Of Surgery ◽  
Total Knee

Abstract Background Tourniquets are widely used in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), but the issue of their safety remains controversial. Previous studies have focused on TKA blood loss, duration of surgery, and hemostatic drugs. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to analyze the effect of tourniquet use on postoperative deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Methods PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched for randomized clinical trials published before April 17, 2020, that compared the effect of tourniquet use on postoperative DVT, knee circumference, D-dimers, and pain measured using the visual analog scale (VAS). Results Fourteen clinical trials that included 1321 unique participants were included in the meta-analysis. Among the total, 721 and 600 participants were randomized to the tourniquet and non-tourniquet groups, respectively. The incidence of postoperative thrombosis in the tourniquet group was significantly higher than in the non-tourniquet group (RR 2.30, 95% CI 1.51–3.49, P < 0.0001, I2 = 0%). On the 1st, 3rd, and 5th to 21st days, and 3 to 6 weeks after surgery, the knee circumference difference of the tourniquet group was significantly larger than that of the non-tourniquet group (P < 0.05). However, 4 to 6 months after the surgery, no significant difference in knee circumference was found between the two groups (MD 0.14, 95% CI −0.02–0.31, P = 0.09, I2 = 0%). The VAS score of the tourniquet group was higher than the non-tourniquet group on the 3rd and 5th days after surgery (P < 0.05). However, this difference was not significant (MD 0.31, 95% CI −0.05–0.66, P = 0.09, I2 = 89%). Conclusion Results of this meta-analysis indicate that tourniquet application could increase the incidence of postoperative DVT and aggravate postoperative pain and swelling in the short term. Level of evidence Level III

scholarly journals A comparison of thrombosis in total knee arthroplasty with and without a tourniquet: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jia Xie ◽  
Hao Yu ◽  
Fangyuan Wang ◽  
Juehua Jing ◽  
Jun Li
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Total Knee Arthroplasty ◽  
Knee Arthroplasty ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Duration Of Surgery ◽  
Total Knee

Abstract Background Tourniquets are widely used in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), but the issue of their safety remains controversial. Previous studies have focused on TKA blood loss, duration of surgery, and hemostatic drugs. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to analyze the effect of tourniquet use on postoperative deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Methods PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched for randomized clinical trials published before April 17, 2020 that compared the effect of tourniquet use on postoperative DVT, knee circumference, D-dimers, and pain measured using the visual analogue scale (VAS). Results Fourteen clinical trials that included 1321 unique participants were included in the meta-analysis. Among the total, 721 and 600 participants were randomized to the tourniquet and non-tourniquet groups, respectively. The incidence of postoperative thrombosis in the tourniquet group was significantly higher than in the non-tourniquet group (RR 2.30, 95% CI: 1.51–3.49, P < 0.0001, I2 = 0%). On the 1st, 3rd, and 5th to 21st days, and 3 to 6 weeks after surgery, the knee circumference difference of the tourniquet group was significantly larger than that of the non-tourniquet group (P < 0.05). However, 4 to 6 months after the surgery, no significant difference in knee circumference was found between the two groups (MD 0.14, 95% CI: -0.02-0.31, P = 0.09, I2 = 0%). The VAS score of the tourniquet group was higher than the non-tourniquet group on the 3rd and 5th days after surgery (P < 0.05). However, this difference was not significant (MD 0.31, 95% CI: -0.05-0.66, P = 0.09, I2 = 89%). Conclusion Results of this meta-analysis indicate that tourniquet application could increase the incidence of postoperative DVT and aggravate postoperative pain and swelling in the short term. Level of evidence III.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Oral and Maxillofacial Disorders in Patients with Systemic Scleroderma—A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (10) ◽  
pp. 5238
Author(s):  
Korbinian Benz ◽  
Christine Baulig ◽  
Stephanie Knippschild ◽  
Frank Peter Strietzel ◽  
Nicolas Hunzelmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oral Mucosa ◽  
Web Of Science ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Final Analysis ◽  
Systemic Scleroderma ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Effect Estimate ◽  
Publication Date ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Orofacial Region

Background: Systematic scleroderma is a rare chronic autoimmune disease of unknown aetiology. The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of orofacial pathognomonic conditions in patients with systemic scleroderma using only randomised prospective studies that investigated the treatment of oral and maxillofacial changes, highlighted associations between the disease and Sjogren’s syndrome, and/or analysed the effect of oral hygiene. Methods: The literature was systematically reviewed based on Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science articles published up to March 2020. The primary endpoint of this analysis was defined as an estimation of the prevalence of oral mucosal changes in different areas of the oral cavity (oral mucosa, tongue, lip, periodontal status, bones, and other regions) in patients suffering from scleroderma. Therefore, a systematic literature search (Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) was conducted and limited by the publication date (1950-03/2020) and the publication language (English). Extracted frequencies were pooled using methods for meta-analysis. In order to obtain the highest level of evidence, only prospective study reports were considered to be eligible. Results: After full-text screening, 14 (766 patients) out of 193 publications were eligible for the final analysis. Twelve studies produced reliable results in the final data sets. Calculation of the pooled effect estimate (random effects model) revealed a prevalence of 57.6% (95% CI: 40.8–72.9%) for the main area “lip”. For the area “oral mucosa”, a prevalence of 35.5% (95% CI: 15.7–62.0%) was calculated. The prevalence for “other regions” was only based on studies with salivary changes and was calculated to be 25.4% (95% CI: 14.2–41.3%). Conclusion: The most pathognomonic conditions in the orofacial region in patients with systemic scleroderma affect the lips, oral mucosa, and salivary glands.

No differences in healing among different closure methods of arthroscopic portals: a systematic review

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (6) ◽  
pp. 297-307
Author(s):  
Chetan Muralidhara Rao Dojode ◽  
Murali Krishna ◽  
Andrew James Shepherd ◽  
Chandan Muralidhara Rao Dojode ◽  
Raviprasad Kattimani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Randomised Controlled Trials ◽  
Tissue Adhesive ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Adhesive Tape ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Safe Alternative ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Randomised Controlled

BackgroundDuring arthroscopy the small skin incisions made over the joints are called arthroscopy portals. There are different methods described for arthroscopic portal closure. Very few randomised controlled trials and no systematic reviews have compared the methods of arthroscopic portal closure, and there are no clear guidelines recommending any one closure method. There is therefore a need for a systematic review that provides high-quality evidence to help surgeons choose the appropriate arthroscopic portal closure technique.ObjectiveTo undertake a systematic review to ascertain the outcome with three different closure methods for arthroscopic portals: (1) suturing; (2) application of sterile adhesive tapes; and (3) leaving wounds open covered with a dressing.MethodsRandomised controlled trials comparing the closure methods of arthroscopic portals were selected using strict search criteria from electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, BNI and Cochrane Library) and trial registers. Two independent authors conducted the study selection, data extraction and quality assessment of each study. Quality appraisal was done using the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool. Three studies were eligible for inclusion and a narrative synthesis of the findings is provided.ResultsOne study did not show a statistically significant difference between suturing and leaving the wound open with a dressing. However, two studies found that leaving wounds open covered with a dressing had a significantly better outcome. In one of these studies, sterile adhesive tapes were used and the outcomes were better than with suturing but not so good as leaving the wounds open covered with a dressing.ConclusionSuturing of arthroscopic portal wounds confers no benefit over leaving them open covered with a simple dressing or applying sterile adhesive tapes. Meta-analysis was not performed, so a full estimate of effect size cannot be derived from this review. Managing arthroscopic portals by leaving them open covered with a dressing or by applying tissue adhesive tape can be safe alternative techniques to suturing. There is a need for randomised controlled trials with a larger sample size representing different populations in a number of centres with better methodological quality and outcome measures.Level of evidenceLevel 1 Systematic review of Randomised Control Trials (Level I studies).

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document