RT Journal
A1 Wright, James G.
A1 Winter, Robert B.
T1 Short-Term Outcomes Analysis in Pediatric Orthopaedics
JF The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery
JO The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery
YR 2001
FD April 1
VO 83
IS 4
SP 620
OP 620
DO 
UL http://dx.doi.org/
AB 
I am writing in response to the recent Commentary entitled "The
Fallacy of Short-Term Outcomes Analysis in Pediatric Orthopaedics" (81-A:
1499-1500, Oct. 1999), by Winter. The purpose of assessment is to
determine the effect of treatment (or no treatment) on
patients. Orthopaedic treatments are intended to (1) prolong life,
as in patients with musculoskeletal oncology, (2) relieve concerns,
as in patients with hip osteoarthritis, (3) restore function, as
in patients with traumatic fractures, and (4) prevent future decline,
as in infants with hip dislocation1.
Patient-based assessments are most appropriate for the first three.
Dr. Winter points out very appropriately that, in the latter case,
in which the patient is young and asymptomatic, it would not be
appropriate to perform an outcomes assessment focusing solely on
the concerns of the child and the family immediately after
surgery.  This, he suggests, is the "fallacy of short-term
outcomes analysis" in pediatric orthopaedics.