Clinical research in hand surgery: the problem and value of retrospective studies
Brüser, P.; Noever, G.
Handchirurgie Mikrochirurgie Plastische Chirurgie Organ der Deutschsprachigen Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Handchirurgie Organ der Deutschsprachigen Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Mikrochirurgie der Peripheren Nerven und Gefasse Organ der V. 21(2): 62-65
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0722-1819 PMID: 2707652 Document Number: 329648
Retrospective studies are still very important in clinical decision making although they present severe methodological deficiencies compared to controlled trials. Imprecise and incomplete data gathering, lack of homogeneity in the group studied, and lack of randomisation are the main drawbacks. Indications for retrospective studies and criteria for their execution are presented.