Our Summary

This study explores the possibility of “significance chasing” in hand surgery research. Significance chasing is when researchers manipulate data to achieve statistically significant results. The authors of this study looked at “p-values” (a measure of statistical significance) in articles from three hand surgery journals. They found an unusually high number of p-values just below 0.05 - the usual cut-off for statistical significance. This suggests that data manipulation may be occurring in hand surgery research, similar to other scientific fields.

FAQs

  1. What is “significance chasing” in the context of hand surgery research?
  2. How did the authors of the study measure the potential presence of significance chasing in hand surgery research?
  3. What does the high number of p-values just below 0.05 suggest about the data in hand surgery research?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about hand surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and optimal outcomes. This may include keeping the hand elevated, practicing good hand hygiene, attending follow-up appointments, and participating in physical therapy as recommended. By following these instructions, patients can help ensure the best possible recovery after hand surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended for hand surgery include those with conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, Dupuytren’s contracture, arthritis, tendon injuries, nerve injuries, fractures, and congenital hand abnormalities. Hand surgery may be recommended for patients who have not responded to non-surgical treatments or who have severe pain and functional limitations in their hands.

Timeline

Before hand surgery:

  1. Patient experiences pain, limited mobility, or other issues in the hand.
  2. Patient consults with a hand surgeon to discuss treatment options.
  3. Surgeon evaluates the hand and recommends surgery as a potential solution.
  4. Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations and tests to ensure they are a good candidate for surgery.

After hand surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes hand surgery procedure.
  2. Patient is monitored in the recovery room and then discharged home.
  3. Patient follows post-operative instructions for hand care, including wound care and physical therapy.
  4. Patient attends follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing and progress.
  5. Patient gradually resumes normal activities and experiences improved hand function.
  6. Patient may require additional therapy or follow-up procedures depending on the outcome of the initial surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. Can you explain the specific procedure I will be undergoing in detail?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  3. What is the expected recovery time and rehabilitation process?
  4. Are there alternative treatment options to consider?
  5. How many times have you performed this particular surgery, and what is your success rate?
  6. What type of anesthesia will be used during the procedure?
  7. Will I need to follow any specific post-operative care instructions?
  8. How long will it take for me to regain full function and mobility in my hand after surgery?
  9. Are there any long-term effects or complications I should be aware of?
  10. Can you provide me with information on the research and evidence supporting the effectiveness of this surgery?

Reference

Authors: Sankaran A. Journal: J Hand Surg Asian Pac Vol. 2022 Aug;27(4):661-664. doi: 10.1142/S2424835522500643. Epub 2022 Aug 8. PMID: 35965356