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fastspinecho t1_j9ufxh4 wrote

A randomized controlled trial is usually better than the alternatives, even if it is not blinded. And non-blinded RCTs are performed all the time, for example for new surgical treatments (nowadays sham surgery is frowned upon!)

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Adventurous_Home_153 t1_j9vlfhj wrote

Could you elaborate on that? Why isn't sham surgery a valid control group for a new surgical treatment?

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fastspinecho t1_j9vy7o2 wrote

Scientifically, it's valid. But IRBs are less tolerant than ever when it comes to unnecessary harm to volunteers. And sham surgery usually means unnecessary harm to volunteers.

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