RT Journal Article ID 675078e130eb494b A1 Pemberton, Julia A1 Kraeva, Juliana A1 Bhandari, Mohit T1 Hierarchy of Evidence: A Simple System for Orthopaedic Research? JF Journal of Long-Term Effects of Medical Implants JO JLT YR 2007 FD 2008-04-04 VO 17 IS 2 SP 95 OP 102 AB To be able to make a sound recommendation for a treatment based on the best available evidence, it is necessary to follow specific steps in acquiring literature, appraising the study design and quality, and assessing the results. Evidence-based medicine is founded on the concepts of using best evidence, levels of evidence, and grades of recommendation, and aims to provide clinicians with standardized rules to help them appraise the validity of published research. A number of systems have been developed to categorize research studies into consistent levels of evidence. These systems are based primarily on consensus expert opinion, and have not been validated to any extent. The use of different systems does not allow for effective communication between users; there is a lack of accord even between users of the same system. The GRADE working group has devised a new rating system that attempts to address deficiencies seen within other systems. PB Begell House LK https://www.dl.begellhouse.com/journals/1bef42082d7a0fdf,4bb158c645db0e20,675078e130eb494b.html