Technical Anecdote [Neurosurgery Wiki]

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===== Technical Anecdote =====

**Technical [[anecdote]]** is a derogatory term used in academic critique to describe a [[publication]] that presents procedural or technical details without [[hypothesis]], [[analysis]], or generalizable insight—often masquerading as [[scientific research]].

==== 🔍 Definition ====
> ''A technical anecdote is a [[narrative]] [[description]] of a [[procedure]] or [[intervention]], typically based on a small number of uncontrolled cases, that lacks [[methodological rigor]], [[critical evaluation]], or [[contribution]] to broader medical [[knowledge]].''

==== ⚠️ Characteristics ====
  * [[Retrospective]] or [[observational]] description of a few [[case]]s  
  * No [[control group]], no [[comparative analysis]]  
  * No clear [[research question]] or hypothesis  
  * Overemphasis on [[device]]s, [[tool]]s, or brand names  
  * No long-term outcomes or follow-up data  
  * Lacks [[novelty]], [[mechanistic insight]], or external [[applicability ]] 
  * Often framed as a "[[case series]]" or "[[technical note]]"  
  * May include promotional tone toward a technique or product

==== ❌ Why It’s Problematic ====
  * Contributes to **[[academic dilution]]**  
  * Pollutes [[scientific literature]] with low-value [[content]]  
  * Confuses technical execution with scientific discovery  
  * Prioritizes publishability over [[impact]]  
  * Misleads readers by mimicking the format of research

==== 🧠 Example (Fictitious) ====
> "We injected 3 patients with Agent X using Microcatheter Y and achieved occlusion in 2 cases. The device was easy to use. No complications occurred. Therefore, Agent X is effective and safe."

This is not a study — it is a **technical anecdote**.

==== 🧾 Related Terms ====
  * [[Academic dilution]]  
  * [[Journal padding]]  
  * [[Editorial complacency]]  
  * [[Unjustified enthusiasm]]  
  * [[Low-impact publication]]