title: Prerandomization: an alternative to classic randomization. The effects on recruitment in a controlled trial of arthroscopy for osteoarthrosis of the knee.
abstract: Possibly the greatest threat to the success of a randomized clinical trial is the inability to recruit an adequate number of subjects. Concern that the randomized clinical trial will adversely affect the physician-patient relationship is the most common reason for physicians' reluctance to enroll patients in such trials. We report a modification of a prerandomized design, first described by Zelen, which was implemented in a randomized clinical trial of arthroscopy for patients who had osteoarthrosis of the knee. The method was associated with a sixfold increase in the rate of accrual of patients as compared with the use of a classic randomization trial. We propose the design as a potential solution to the problem of recruitment of subjects, particularly for clinical studies.
authors: Department of Medicine (Arthritis-Connective Tissue Diseases Section), Northwestern University Multipurpose Arthritis Center, Chicago, Illinois 60611.
authors: R W
authors: RW
authors: Chang
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Falconer
authors: S D
authors: SD
authors: Stulberg
authors: W J
authors: WJ
authors: Arnold
authors: A R
authors: AR
authors: Dyer
mesh_terms: D001182:Arthroscopy; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000601:surgery*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / Q000379:methods*