Analysis of the Shoulder and Elbow Section of the Korean Orthopedic In-training Examination

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to analyze the questions in the shoulder and elbow section of the Korean Orthopaedic In-Training Examination (KOITE) and compare them with those of the US Orthopaedic In-Training Examination (US OITE). Methods: Twenty-nine questions in the shoulder and elbow section of the KOITE from 2010 to 2014 were analyzed and compared with those of the US OITE (80 questions) by literature review. A thorough analysis of the contents was performed after categorizing as topics, diagnostic tools, treatment modalities, taxonomic classification, and references. Results: The shoulder and elbow section of the KOITE was 5.8% weight which was similar to the US OITE (5.9%). The most commonly appearing topic was anterior labral injury (17.2%) on the KOITE compared to instability and arthritis (21.3%, each) on the US OITE. Magnetic resonance imaging was most frequently appeared imaging modality on the KOITE (41.0%) compared to the radiograph on the US OITE (43.0%). The Latarjet procedure was the most commonly asked treatment modality (22.2%) on the KOITE, whereas arthroplasty (33.3%) on the US OITE. The KOITE showed an even taxonomic classification distribution compared to the US OITE. Campbell’s operative orthopaedics covered 96.6% questions as a reference on the KOITE compared to the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, American Volume on the US OITE, which covered 45.0%. Conclusions: This specific analysis shows us current trends of the shoulder and elbow section of the KOITE and it might be developed for use in the educational curricula for the trainee.