15/10/2026
Ian Harris, in his book Surgery, The Ultimate Placebo, and a recent article in The Economist (September 2026) The Economist raise an uncomfortable question: Do all the surgical procedures we perform truly benefit our patients?
Surgical expertise is essential, but it cannot replace scientific evidence.
In hand and wrist surgery, as in any specialty, just because we can operate doesn’t mean we should.
Now, more than ever, in the era of artificial intelligence and social media, we must be even more cautious, critical, and responsible. Popularity, visibility, and technological innovation should never be confused with scientific evidence.
Surgical excellence is not just about knowing how to operate, but also knowing when NOT to operate.
Questioning our surgical indications doesn’t make us worse surgeons. It makes us better doctors.
