🧪 Methodologically Limited

“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.”