Questionable Word Choice in Scientific Writing in Orthopedic Surgery

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