Put data ahead of dogma.
Follow the data, not the crowd……

“To examine the ability of surgeons to predict the outcome of treatment for meniscal tears by arthroscopic partial meniscectomy and exercise therapy……”

“Orthopaedic surgeon survey participants were presented 20 patient profiles. These profiles were derived from a randomised clinical trial comparing arthroscopic partial meniscectomy with exercise therapy…..patients with symptomatic non-obstructive meniscal tears.”
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“We received 194 complete responses for all 20 patient profiles, resulting in 3880 predictions.”

“….50.0% of the predictions were correct, which equals the proportion expected by chance.”
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“Experienced knee surgeons were not better in predicting outcome than other orthopaedic surgeons.”
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“In general, bucket handle tears, knee locking and failed non-operative treatment directed the surgeons’ choice towards arthroscopic partial meniscectomy, while higher level of osteoarthritis, degenerative aetiology and the absence of locking complaints directed the surgeons’ choice towards exercise therapy.”
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“Surgeons’ criteria for deciding that surgery was indicated did not pass statistical examination.”
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“This was true regardless of a surgeon’s experience.”
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“These results suggest that non-surgical management is appropriate as first-line therapy….”
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V.A.van de Graaf, et al
Can even experienced orthopaedic surgeons predict who will benefit from surgery when patients present with degenerative meniscal tears? A survey of 194 orthopaedic surgeons who made 3880 predictions
British Journal Of Sports Medicine — Volume 54 #6 — March 2020