The Importance of Sex and Gender in Orthopedic Research: Challenges and Solutions

Research in orthopedics often overlooks the impact of sex and gender, which can lead to biased results. Experts gathered to discuss why this happens. Some roadblocks include lack of awareness about the need to consider sex and gender, confusion over the right terminology and stats methods, and insufficient funding. Additionally, we don't always know how well lab findings apply to humans. We need better guidance, education, and resources for everyone involved in research, from beginners to experts. Guidelines like Sex and Gender Equity in Research (SAGER) can help. Academic institutions and private foundations can provide assistance. The goal is to make sure sex and gender are considered in all relevant research, now and in the future. Rethinking research methods and ensuring proper reporting can benefit all patients, regardless of their sex or gender. This change starts with education and continues with adequate funding and support from institutions and organizations. By addressing these barriers, we can move towards more inclusive and accurate research.