Researchers at an Academic Trauma Center Conducted a Randomized Clinical

question 37

Multiple Choice

Researchers at an academic trauma center conducted a randomized clinical trial comparing 2 surgical techniques (Technique A and Technique B) for repairing a mandible fracture.  They examined rates of infectious complications and rates of malocclusion (defined as misaligned dental arches on visual examination when the jaw is closed) .  A total of 100 patients were enrolled in the study.  Outcome assessments of each patient were conducted at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks after surgery.  Results showed that the relative rate of infection with Technique A compared with Technique B was 0.86 with a 95% confidence interval of 0.57-1.28; the 2 techniques had similar malocclusion rates at 8 weeks after surgery.  Which of the following statements most accurately represents the comparison of Technique A and Technique B in a clinical care setting?

• A)Neither surgery technique is superior
• B)Technique A is superior to Technique B
• C)Technique B is superior to Technique A
• D)The techniques should not be used in a clinical care setting

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Definitions:

Retroviruses

A type of virus that inserts a copy of its RNA genome into the DNA of a host cell it invades, changing the genome of that cell, such as HIV.

Prions

Infectious agents composed solely of protein, known to cause rare neurodegenerative diseases.

DNA OR RNA

Nucleic acids that carry genetic information (DNA) or are involved in protein synthesis (RNA).

Protein Capsid

The protein shell of a virus, which encloses its genetic material and is critical for its ability to infect host cells.