Stand up and start counting.

Everyone agrees that research is important. We use findings to shape how we practice. Patients use findings to see what treatment options appeal to them.

Sometimes, practitioners and patients interpret studies differently, just as practitioners and patients may not agree on what constitutes a good outcome.

An example is when a study shows statistical improvement between pre- and postoperative ACFAS or AOFAS scores and indicates to a practitioner that a procedure is worth using. A patient may disagree, however, as almost all studies fail to document activity level.