The usefulness of orthopedic shoulder surgery randomized controlled trials: are they meeting the key criteria?

While transparency improvements have driven slight overall progress in trial quality, substantial gaps remain in key criteria like raw data availability and value for money. The findings highlight the need for journals and researchers to adopt comprehensive strategies to enhance the clinical impact of RCTs. This study underscores the value of structured assessment tools in identifying opportunities to optimize trial design and reporting, ultimately improving evidence-based care in orthopedic shoulder surgery. This study highlights persistent gaps in transparency among shoulder surgery RCTs and suggests that improved reporting, particularly regarding protocol and data availability, may enhance the overall usefulness and reliability of trial findings.