title: RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED CLINICAL TRIALS IN ORTHOPEDICS: DIFFICULTIES AND LIMITATIONS.
abstract: Randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) are considered to be the gold standard for evidence-based medicine nowadays, and are important for directing medical practice through consistent scientific observations. Steps such as patient selection, randomization and blinding are fundamental for conducting a RCT, but some additional difficulties are presented in trials that involve surgical procedures, as is common in orthopedics. The aim of this article was to highlight and discuss some difficulties and possible limitations on RCTs within the field of surgery.
authors.affiliation: Attending Physician in the Shoulder and Elbow Group, Institute of Orthopedics and Traumatology, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Eduardo Angeli
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Malavolta
authors.affiliation: MSc in Medicine. Attending Physician in the Knee Group, Institute of Orthopedics and Traumatology, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Marco Kawamura
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Demange
authors.affiliation: Attending Physician in the Knee Group, Institute of Orthopedics and Traumatology, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Riccardo Gomes
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Gobbi
authors.affiliation: PhD in Medicine. Collaborating Professor in the School of Medicine, University of São Paulo (USP); Physician in the Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Institute of Orthopedics and Traumatology, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Marta
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Imamura
authors.affiliation: PhD in Medicine. Head of the Neuromodulation Laboratory and Clinical Research Teaching Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
authors.forename: Felipe
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Fregni
keywords: Comparative Study; Evidence-Based Medicine; Orthopedics; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic