A systematic review using PRISMA guidelines was performed. Utilizing an iterative search strategy of the top 6 impact factor orthopaedic journals from 2001 to 2011, all randomized controlled studies involving rotator cuff disorders were identified and scored in a systematic, blinded fashion. Each study received a Jadad score. Adherence to CONSORT criteria was quantified and linked to the Jadad score via linear regression. Common deficiencies were described.
A total of 129 manuscripts were identified; 54 met inclusion criteria: total patients n = 4099; mean patients per article = 76; range, 16-660. The mean Jadad score was 3.0. Sixty-six percent (35/53) of studies were high quality (high quality: >3). Among these, the majority (63 % , 22/35) were nonoperative trials. Adherence to CONSORT Criteria was associated with higher Jadad scores (R2 = 0.3). The most common deficient CONSORT Criteria were: trial design descriptions (66 % ; 36/54 studies), descriptions of randomization type (65 % ; 35/54), and power analysis (46 % ; 25/54).
The majority of randomized controlled trials of rotator cuff pathology are high-quality studies based on the Jadad score. Adherence to CONSORT criteria is linked to high-quality scores. Future studies should use full CONSORT Criteria.