Level of Evidence in Orthopaedic Journals

Abstract

Orthopaedic journals with a higher impact factor are more likely to publish Level-I or II articles. The type and level of information in orthopaedic journals can be reliably classified, and clinical investigators should pursue studies with a higher level of evidence whenever feasible.

A five-year review of publication productivity among Irish orthopaedic units

“…Publications were classified by individuals and institutions, and by publication type (diagnostic, therapeutic, prognostic and economic) and by impact factor (IF) according to Thomson Reuters, using most recent applicable citation index for the period in question [1].…”

Change in the impact of Turkish Orthopedics and Traumatology on international scientific literatüre

“…Articles in journals of high scientific quality are good sources for orthopedic surgeons, providing them the evidence they need. It has been reported in the literature that articles having higher level of evidence have been more cited 10 . Even if the articles having higher level of evidence are more convincing in resolving clinical dilemmas, this can not always be achieved 11 .…”

Lessons from the infuse trials: do we need a classification of bias in scientific publications and editorials?

“…This 5-level rating system, with Level I evidence being randomized control trials with least bias, allowed for critical appraisal for researchers, editorial reviewers, clinicians, and the public at large regarding the quality rating of scientific articles. Obremskey et al reviewed clinical scientific articles published from January to June 2013 in 9 different orthopedic journals and reported that 11.3 % were Level I, 20.7 % were Level II, 9.9 % were Level III, and 58.1 % were Level IV [34]. The scarcity of higher level of evidence literature is further compounded by a variability of quality between the level I evidence articles.…”