Table 1

Quality of the 13 comparitive studies assessed using the Cochrane Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group reporting quality assessment tool

Questionκ (no. valid cases)*Asymptomatic SE†Approx. t‡p value
Was the assigned treatment adequately concealed before allocation?0.27 (10)0.111.160.25
Were the outcomes of participatins who withdrew described and included in the analysis (intention to treat)?0.09 (13)0.090.740.46
Were the outcome assessors blinded to treatment status?0.40 (13)0.351.390.17
Were the treatment and control group comparable at entry? (likely confounders may be age, activity level)0.22 (13)0.231.080.28
Were the participants blind to assignment status after allocation?1.00 (13)
Were treatment providers blind to assignment status?1.00 (13)
Were care programmes, other than the trial options, identical?0.22 (13)0.201.110.27
Were inclusion and exclusion criteria clearly defined?0.56 (13)0.212.550.010
Were the interventions clearly defined?0.40 (13)0.351.390.17
Were the outcome measures used clearly defined (by outcome)?0.40 (13)0.351.390.17
Were diagnostic tests used in outcome assessment clinically useful (by outcome)?1.00 (13)
Was the surveillance active, and of clinically appropriate duration?0.40 (13)0.351.390.17

  • SE = standard error.

  • ↵* The κ values are reported for the 3 reviewers (F.N.H, A.S. and P.K.).

  • ↵† Not assuming the null hypothesis.

  • ↵‡ Using the asymptotic standard error assuming the null hypothesis.