Questionable Word Choice in Scientific Writing in Orthopedic Surgery

Abstract

Background: Given the strong influence of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors on musculoskeletal symptoms and<br />limitations it's important that both scientific and lay writing use the most positive, hopeful, and adaptive words and<br />concepts consistent with medical evidence. The use of words that might reinforce misconceptions about preferencesensitive<br />conditions (particularly those associated with age) could increase symptoms and limitations and might also<br />distract patients from the treatment preferences they would select when informed and at ease.<br />Methods: We reviewed 100 consecutive papers published in 2014 and 2015 in 6 orthopedic surgery scientific journals.<br />We counted the number and proportion of journal articles with questionable use of one or more of the following words:<br />tear, aggressive, required, and fail. For each word, we counted the rate of misuse per journal and the number of specific<br />terms misused per article per journal<br />Results: Eighty percent of all orthopedic scientific articles reviewed had questionable use of at least one term. Tear<br />was most questionably used with respect to rotator cuff pathology. The words fail and require were the most common<br />questionably used terms overall.<br />Conclusion: The use of questionable words and concepts is common in scientific writing in orthopedic surgery. It's<br />worth considering whether traditional ways or referring to musculoskeletal illness merit rephrasing.