How to do clinical research in cranio-maxillo-facial surgery

IntroductionNot many randomised controlled trials are published in surgical journals, especially those on maxillo-facial surgery. There appears to be some uncertainty on how to perform such studies.Accordingly this paper offers some information on how to plan, pursue and publish a well conducted case-control study, or the more powerful randomised control trial.ResultThe main section describes how to define a relevant clinical question, and a research protocol, the way to implement the study, and it helps to find funding for such research. It also explains the various study designs, gives a very short introduction to statistics and on how to appraise the results achieved, and it advises on writing and submitting the resultant manuscript.ConclusionThis paper offers a guide for young colleagues who wish to perform a study, write a paper and achieve publication in one of our leading speciality journals.