Do Published Orthopaedic RCTs Match Their Registered Protocols? A 6-year Analysis of Leading Orthopaedic Journals

Key Points

• The aim is to assess how well published orthopaedic RCTs align with their registered protocols.
• Analyzed leading orthopaedic journals over a six-year period.
• Evaluated discrepancies between published trials and their registered protocols.
• Identified trends in undisclosed protocol changes.
• Found significant discrepancies in protocol adherence across studies.
• Reported a need for improved trial registration practices to enhance transparency.
• Highlighted a lack of confidence in published orthopaedic evidence due to protocol changes.