“Methodologically limited” refers to:
A study that suffers from flaws or weaknesses in its design, execution, or analytical methods, which reduce the reliability, validity, or generalizability of its findings.
🔍 Typical methodological limitations include: Retrospective design with risk of selection and recall bias
Lack of randomization or blinding, leading to confounding
Small sample size or underpowered statistical analysis
Single-center data, reducing external validity
Uncontrolled variables, such as surgeon experience or patient comorbidities
Incomplete follow-up or missing data
Use of surrogate endpoints rather than clinical outcomes
🧠 Implication: Calling a study “methodologically limited” is a polite yet pointed way to say:
“The study cannot support strong conclusions, no matter how exciting the results may seem.”