Editorial Commentary: To Properly Apply Delphi Consensus Conclusions, Strengths and Weaknesses of the Process Require Consideration: Unified Expert Opinion or Toxic Fumes Resulting in a Strange Trance?

Abstract

The Delphi Consensus Process is a tool to allow diverse expert opinion to be consolidated to better understand complex problems. The process has recently been applied to orthopaedic treatment options. While a piece of the puzzle, the strengths and weaknesses of this process must be understood to allow the orthopaedist to apply the conclusions of the Delphi Consensus process effectively. It is important to recognize that expert opinion has been upended time and time again by carefully collected clinical-outcome data. It is unclear whether the visions of the Oracle are due to wisdom or toxic fumes resulting in a strange trance.