Editorial Commentary: "Mo' Data, Mo' Problems"? "Big Data" From National Database Studies in Orthopaedic Research and Concerns Over Generalizability.

Abstract

Publications referencing patient information from national databases such as the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program continue to become more prevalent in the orthopaedic literature. Although there is great value in some of the outcome variables provided by these data sets, concern remains regarding the generalizability of these "big data" studies because patient demographic characteristics such as age, sex, body mass index, and race often differ significantly with high-volume orthopaedic practices, and this may confound the conclusions made. As these national databases continue to be used, we have a responsibility to be critical and analytical in our translation of their findings to daily practice.