Devick KL, Zaniletti I, Larson DR, Lewallen DG, Berry DJ, Kremers HM. Avoiding Systematic Bias in Orthopedics Research Through Informed Variable Selection: A Discussion of Confounders, Mediators, and Colliders.
J Arthroplasty 2022;
37:1951-1955. [PMID:
36162928 PMCID:
PMC9616679 DOI:
10.1016/j.arth.2022.05.027]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
There are 3 common variable types in orthopedic research-confounders, colliders, and mediators. All 3 types of variables are associated with both the exposure (eg, surgery type, implant type, body mass index) and outcome (eg, complications, revision surgery) but differ in their temporal ordering. To reduce systematic bias, the decision to include or exclude a variable in an analysis should be based on the variable's relationship with the exposure and outcome for each research question. In this article, we define 3 types of variables with case examples from orthopedic research. Please visit the followinghttps://youtu.be/V-grpgB1ShQfor videos that explain the highlights of the article in practical terms.
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