Interest In Orthopaedic Surgery Research Articles

Remote Summer Research Program to Improve Opportunity and Mentorship for Underrepresented Students With Interest in Orthopaedic Surgery: 3-Year Experiences.

Medical students are challenged with a limited number of research opportunities to help prepare for an exceptionally competitive process for matching in an orthopaedic residency. The aim of this study was to assess the 3-year experience of our 8 to 10-week remote summer research program in support of underrepresented students with an interest in orthopaedic surgery. We received over 500 applications, and a total of 37 students (7.4%) participated in the program over the past 3 years. A total of 14 faculty mentors were matched with 1 or 2 students each. The research program delivered a curriculum including (1) research-related topics led by a content expert; (2) weekly faculty lectures discussing topics including orthopaedic conditions, diversity in orthopaedics, leadership, and work-life balance; and (3) a minimum of 8 weeks of mentorship experience with an assigned faculty and a peer mentor. Students and faculty were surveyed to measure skill progression, research productivity, and program satisfaction. Program participants represented a range of race/ethnic backgrounds and research experience levels. The cohort included a high rate of female (51%) and Black (35%) participants relative to representation of these groups in orthopaedic surgery. Postprogram surveys indicated that all participants improved their research skills, orthopaedic interest, and mentorship/networking skills. Most students (89%) stated that they were adequately matched to their faculty mentor. Most students (79%) indicated that they contributed to either manuscript or conference abstract as coauthors. The study findings suggest improved research skills, interest, and confidence to pursue orthopaedic residency and mentorship/networks in the field. Our long-term vision is to improve the accessibility and quality of mentorship for underrepresented students to foster an equitable pathway into the field of orthopaedic surgery.

Single-center experience with Knee+™ augmented reality navigation system in primary total knee arthroplasty.

Computer-assisted systems obtained an increased interest in orthopaedic surgery over the last years, as they enhance precision compared to conventional hardware. The expansion of computer assistance is evolving with the employment of augmented reality. Yet, the accuracy of augmented reality navigation systems has not been determined. To examine the accuracy of component alignment and restoration of the affected limb's mechanical axis in primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA), utilizing an augmented reality navigation system and to assess whether such systems are conspicuously fruitful for an accomplished knee surgeon. From May 2021 to December 2021, 30 patients, 25 women and five men, underwent a primary unilateral TKA. Revision cases were excluded. A preoperative radiographic procedure was performed to evaluate the limb's axial alignment. All patients were operated on by the same team, without a tourniquet, utilizing three distinct prostheses with the assistance of the Knee+™ augmented reality navigation system in every operation. Postoperatively, the same radiographic exam protocol was executed to evaluate the implants' position, orientation and coronal plane alignment. We recorded measurements in 3 stages regarding femoral varus and flexion, tibial varus and posterior slope. Firstly, the expected values from the Augmented Reality system were documented. Then we calculated the same values after each cut and finally, the same measurements were recorded radiologically after the operations. Concerning statistical analysis, Lin's concordance correlation coefficient was estimated, while Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test was performed when needed. A statistically significant difference was observed regarding mean expected values and radiographic measurements for femoral flexion measurements only (Z score = 2.67, P value = 0.01). Nonetheless, this difference was statistically significantly lower than 1 degree (Z score = -4.21, P value < 0.01). In terms of discrepancies in the calculations of expected values and controlled measurements, a statistically significant difference between tibial varus values was detected (Z score = -2.33, P value = 0.02), which was also statistically significantly lower than 1 degree (Z score = -4.99, P value < 0.01). The results indicate satisfactory postoperative coronal alignment without outliers across all three different implants utilized. Augmented reality navigation systems can bolster orthopaedic surgeons' accuracy in achieving precise axial alignment. However, further research is required to further evaluate their efficacy and potential.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction with Semitendinosus Tendon Autograft among Paramilitary Patients Undergoing Arthroscopic Surgery in a Tertiary Care Centre.

In orthopaedic practice, injuries to the anterior cruciate ligaments occur almost on an epidemic scale, yet it continues to be of interest in orthopaedic surgery whether semitendinosus or gracilis hamstring autografts can be used for better anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using semitendinosus tendon autografts among paramilitary patients undergoing arthroscopic surgery in a tertiary care centre. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among paramilitary individuals who had knee injuries and were admitted between 6 february 2020 and 26 January 2022 for arthroscopic surgery after obtaining ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee. Demographic details and the mode of injury were obtained from the patients. The treating orthopaedic surgeons evaluated the pre- and post-analysis Lysholm Knee Score and Lysholm Knee Scale based on the patient's response. A convenience sampling method was used. The point estimate was calculated at a 95% Confidence Interval. Among 166 patients, anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using a semitendinosus tendon autograft was done in 58 (34.94%) (27.69-42.19, 95% Confidence Interval). Most of the patients in the pre-analysis had mild/periodic limp issues 52 (89.66%), followed by instability during athletics or other severe exertion 43 (74.14%). The prevalence of anterior cruciate ligament injuries in our study is higher than other studies done in similar settings. anterior cruciate ligament; grafts; semitendinosus tendon.

“Sawbones”: A pilot study assessing simulation-based orthopedic training for medical students

IntroSimulation-based training has become a valuable new tool in medical education across the country. The Orthopedic Surgery Interest Group (OSIG) at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine organized a benchtop training workshop known as “Sawbones” to give medical students essential exposure to basic techniques and instruments commonly used in orthopedic surgery. This pilot study seeks to investigate the participating students’ perceptions of this workshop as part of a potential longitudinal intervention. MethodsA total of 30 medical students (MS1-MS4) with a documented interest in orthopedic surgery were randomly selected via email invitation to participate in this workshop. Students first had a lecture-based training session with faculty on an overview of screw fixation. Participants then formed groups that were headed by an orthopedic resident or attending and took turns fixing fractures on model bones made of synthetic material. Following the session, students were sent an anonymous Qualtrics survey to assess their satisfaction with the workshop. ResultsA total of 22 students (73%), responded to the survey. On a ten-point scale, the average reported interest in orthopedics was 9.2 (SD 0.4). All students (n = 22, 100%) reported that they would like more hands-on orthopedic experiences as a component of their medical education. Nineteen students (86.4%) reported that this training increased their interest in pursuing a career in orthopedic surgery and twenty-one (95.5%) further stated that they would recommend this training to other students. DiscussionBased on the results of this pilot study, Sawbones was promising at engaging students in orthopedics, providing a team environment, and introducing students to orthopedic skills and instrumentation. Providing these sessions in a longitudinal manner could provide opportunities for mentorship and better prepare students for a residency in orthopedics. We recommend a program like Sawbones to better address the lack of Orthopedic exposure in medical school.

Career Choice Disclosure and Clerkship Grades Among Orthopaedic Residency Applicants

Objective Medical student clerkship evaluations are susceptible to preceptor bias. Students interested in orthopaedics may choose not to disclose their career path during clerkships to avoid bias. The purpose of this study was to identify factors that may lead to grading bias, including career choice disclosure, among medical students interested in a career in orthopaedic surgery. Design A cross-sectional survey was performed by distributing an anonymous electronic survey. Respondents were asked if they disclosed an interest in orthopaedic surgery during core clerkships and whether or not they believed it impacted their grade. The relationship between demographic variables including age, gender, race, ethnicity, and geographical location were also collected and compared. Setting Multiple institutions in different geographic locations in the US. Participants Medical students in orthopaedic interest groups or those who completed an orthopaedic surgery rotation. Results Of 149 responses, 90 (60.1%) of students chose to disclose an interest in orthopaedics during all clerkships. Over 50% of students were able to achieve honors in core clerkships except for OB/Gyn (41/112, 36.6% honors) and emergency medicine (17/59, 28.8% honors). On average, 7.9% of students believed disclosure had a negative impact on their grade, but in internal medicine and OB/Gyn, those that disclosed were able to achieve honors more often than those that did not. Males (38/50, 76%) were given honors more often than females (11/24, 45.8%) in their surgery clerkship and those that identified as “other” race (1/6, 16.7%) achieved fewer honors in surgery and pediatrics compared to White, Black, Asian, Indian, and Hispanic students (48/68, 70.6%). Conclusion Some students believe disclosing an interest in orthopaedics may negatively impact their grade, but the opposite may be true. Other potential areas of bias include gender and race. More research is needed to improve the clerkship evaluation process given an increasingly competitive application process.

Students' Interest in Orthopedic Surgery in Saudi Arabia.

The demand for orthopedic surgery is expected to increase as the Saudi population grows and ages. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the interest of medical students and interns in orthopedic surgery and the factors that influence their interest. This cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured questionnaire adapted from a similar study and modified by the authors. The questionnaire was distributed via email to more than 500 medical students from the second year to the internship year. The questionnaire was designed to assess knowledge, interest, and students' perception of orthopedics. Five hundred and ten responses were obtained; 382 (74.90%) were from women. Gender, family orientation, private practice, and perceptions of orthopedic surgery as a stressful specialty or a specialty in crisis were variables that did not influence participants' perceptions of orthopedic surgery. Further, 13% of participants showed early interest in orthopedic surgery, especially during their third year of medical school. Most of the interested participants recognized that having strong level of knowledge, future academic opportunities, a controllable lifestyle, direct patient care, experience during their clerkship, a high salary, immediate satisfaction, and a prestigious specialty were important aspects that determined their interest in considering a future career in orthopedic surgery. Work preferences that had a significant impact on interest included working with patients not requiring long-term care, working only in the hospital, working outside the hospital, and working only during the day. There was no difference between genders in terms of interest in orthopedic surgery. This study might serve as a basis for future research assessing the interest of medical students in orthopedic surgery as well as identifying and managing the barriers that prevent students from pursuing careers as orthopedic surgeons.

Association of an Early Interest in Orthopedic Surgery with Match Rate into Orthopedic Surgery.

Orthopedic surgery residency is considered one of the most competitive specialties in which to match. Studies examining the factors associated with a successful match have neglected whether participation in an orthopedic interest group (OIG) improves the chances of orthopedic residency match. The goal of this study was to test the hypothesis that participation in the OIG would improve matching into an orthopedic surgery residency. We performed a retrospective cohort study between May 2017 and 2019 at one state-funded medical school. All of the applicants in orthopedic surgery from 2004 to 2019 were identified and contacted for OIG membership status. The Office of Student Affairs provided academic performance data (US Medical Licensing Examination scores and third-year clinical clerkship grades), Alpha Omega Alpha and Gold Humanism Honor Society status, and demographics (race and sex) of applicants. Between 2004 and 2019, 67 students (56 OIG and 11 non-OIG) applied for orthopedic surgery residency match. The match rate for the OIG was 86% compared with 64% for the non-OIG group, resulting in an adjusted odds ratio (adjusted for academic performance) of 10.23 (95% confidence interval 1.14-92.3, <i>P =</i> 0.038). OIG membership was associated with a significantly higher rate of orthopedic surgery residency matches. The higher rate of match associated with OIG membership may be the result of opportunities to diversify a residency application. Future studies are needed to further evaluate the potential association between OIG involvement and orthopedic surgery match.

The specialty mentor effect in enhancing surgical experience of medical students: A randomised control trial

IntroductionThe positive learning experiences of students on surgical rotations which subsequently influence career choice may be delineated into practical and interpersonal themed factors. It remains unclear the relative impact each component has on the student experience and subsequent specialisation. AimsWe evaluate the influence of having senior resident mentor during practical simulation in orthopaedic surgery has on medical student interest in surgery; their comfort in theatre; and its role in enhancing knowledge acquisition within the rotation. MethodsMedical students undergoing clinical rotations in a Regional University Hospital were randomised to undertaking a virtual reality simulated operation independently or performing under the guidance of an experienced resident. Baseline levels of interest in surgery, comfort in theatre, perceived barriers to surgical learning and entry to surgery were established and compared to answers following completion of the tutorial. Qualitative feedback was collected regarding the benefits and limitations to the experience. Presented according to CONSORT guidelines. ResultsParticipants in the trainee guided group achieved significantly higher simulated performance scores compared to the control (p < 0001), with an increase in interest in orthopaedic surgery from baseline expressed to a statistically significant degree (p = 0.01). Participants in the unsupervised group demonstrated no significant increase in interest in Orthopaedic surgery (p = 0.3). 100% participants strongly agreed it was a beneficial learning experience which would be useful in surgical curricula. ConclusionSurgical trainee guided simulation led to improved performance and interest in orthopaedic surgery, while virtual practical experience was felt to be a useful learning tool independent of supervision. Further research is needed to establish the role of interpersonal interactions in student surgical experience.

Factors Responsible for Final-Year Medical Students Selecting Orthopedic Specialty in Enugu State.

Background:Medical training is one of the core components of the health system of any country. The specialty preferences of medical undergraduates and young medical graduates reflect the pattern of distribution of specialists in the future work-force in the health care system. The preference of Orthopaedic surgery specialty by medical students has been poor.Objective:This study aims to explore the factors responsible for final year medical students choosing orthopedic surgery specialty in Enugu state, Southeast Nigeria.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional survey of Final year medical Students from two Universities in Enugu state in Southeastern Nigeria was conducted. The Universities were; University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT). A structured questionnaire designed using the free software google forms was utilized for the study and electronically distributed randomly to 132 final year medical students in Enugu state, Southeast Nigeria using platforms including Whatsapp® and Telegram®. The data collected was analysed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS).Results:At the end of the study, 132 final year medical students completed and submitted the questionnaires. Majority of the students (73%) were not interested in Orthopaedic surgery. Among those who were interested, most indicated that the interest arose spontaneously (31%, n = 11), about 11% attributed the interest to either seeing a movie that showcased the specialty or to good performance in related courses (Anatomy, Radiology, Surgery), while only 8% attributed the interest to effect of lectures in the course or to having a family member who was an orthopedic surgeon. In another 9%, an interest in orthopaedic surgery developed during their posting in the specialty.Among those who were not interested, about 66% attributed this to the specialty being physically demanding while a minority attributed it to other factors like the long duration of residency program in orthopaedic surgery, the interference by traditional bone-setters and male dominated field. A greater proportion of the female respondents (68%) were discouraged by the physical demands of the specialty compared to males (62%).No factors was found to be significantly associated statistically with the interest/lack of interest in orthopaedic surgery specialty among the reasons (Perceived Job prestige x2 = 0.762 P = 0.859, Perceived income x2=2.962 P = 0.227, Perceived work life balance x2=4.087 P = 0.252, Perceived opportunities for research x2=6.895 P = 0.075, Perceived relevance of orthopaedic specialists x2=1.777 P = 0.620). Significance value was P < 0.05.Conclusion:There is a low preference towards orthopedic surgery among final year medical students. This study attempted to highlight the factors responsible for final year medical students selecting orthopedic surgery in Enugu state, Southeast Nigeria and it revealed that clinical rotations, mentorship, work-life balance, job prestige, income and opportunities for research were all important factors.Recommendation:We recommend that more time be allotted to Orthopedics postings to increase interest in the specialty. More Orthopedic surgeons should provide proper guidance and mentorship to medical students in order to influence students choice of specialty.

1006 Impact of The Human Factor on Student Interest in Orthopaedic Surgery: A Randomised Control Trial

Abstract Aim The positive learning experiences of students on surgical rotations which subsequently influence career choice may be delineated into practical and interpersonal themed factors. It remains unclear the relative impact each component has on the student experience and subsequent specialisation. We evaluated the influence of having senior resident mentor during practical simulation in orthopaedic surgery has on medical student interest in surgery; their comfort in theatre; and its role in enhancing knowledge acquisition within the rotation Method Medical students undergoing clinical rotations in a Regional University Hospital were randomised to undertaking a a virtual reality simulated operation independently or performing under the guidance of an experienced resident. Baseline levels of interest in surgery, comfort in theatre, perceived barriers to surgical learning and entry to surgery were established and compared to answers following completion of the tutorial. Qualitative feedback was collected regarding the benefits and limitations to the experience. Presented according to CONSORT guidelines. Results Participants in the resident guided group achieved significantly higher simulated performance scores compared to the control (p &amp;lt; 0001), with an increase in orthopaedic surgery from baseline expressed to a statistically significant degree (p = 0.04). 100% participants strongly agreed it was a beneficial learning experience which would be useful in surgical curricula. Conclusions Surgical trainee guided simulation led to improved performance and interest in orthopaedic surgery, while virtual practical experience was felt to be a useful learning tool independent of supervision. Further research is needed to establish the role of interpersonal interactions in student surgical experience.

Virtual Reality Simulator Use Stimulates Medical Students’ Interest in Orthopaedic Surgery

PurposeTo investigate whether the use of a VR arthroscopic simulator can influence medical students’ attitudes toward a career in orthopaedic surgery.MethodsTwenty-five medical students completed seven unsupervised sessions on a VR hip-arthroscopic simulator. All participants completed a pre-simulator and post-simulator pseudo-anonymized questionnaire consisting of 10 questions: six 10-point Likert scale questions addressing their interest in orthopaedics, surgery, and arthroscopy; and four 5-point Likert scale questions addressing their attitudes toward simulation. Prepaired and postpaired datasets were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed rank test.ResultsInterest in both orthopaedics and surgery was found to increase after simulator use (orthopaedics: 5.3 ± .3 to 8.4 ± .2, P = .0001; surgery: 5.8 ± .3 to 9.0 ± .2; P = .0001). It was also found that simulator use increased participants’ interest in arthroscopy (5.4 ± .3 to 8.0 ± .3; P = .0001) and hip-arthroscopy (5.0 ± .3 to 7.6 ± .3; P = .0001). Participants reported they were more likely to attend endoscopic and arthroscopic surgical lists after simulator use (endoscopic: 6.9 ± .3 to 8.4 ± .2; P = .0003; arthroscopic: 5.9 ± .3 to 8.4 ± .2; P = .0001). After using the simulator, participants felt more strongly that VR simulation is a valuable training modality (P = .0025), that simulation should be a mandatory part of orthopaedics and surgical training (P = .0001 and P = .0001), and that access to VR simulators improves the quality of surgical training (P = .0024).ConclusionsThese results demonstrate that exposure to VR arthroscopic simulation increased medical students’ interest in orthopaedics, surgery, and arthroscopy, without the need for direct supervision. Following VR simulator use, students reported they were more likely to engage with training opportunities, including arthroscopic and endoscopic surgery.Clinical RelevanceUnderstanding factors that stimulate interest in orthopaedic surgery may help programs attract the broadest pool of potential trainees.

AB204. SOH21AS064. The role of mentoring in stimulating medical student interest in orthopaedic surgery: a randomised control trial

AB204. SOH21AS064. The role of mentoring in stimulating medical student interest in orthopaedic surgery: a randomised control trial

Achieving a Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Environment for the Black Orthopaedic Surgeon: Part 1: Barriers to Successful Recruitment of Black Applicants.

Achieving a Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Environment for the Black Orthopaedic Surgeon: Part 1: Barriers to Successful Recruitment of Black Applicants.

Impact of a Surgical Subspecialty Roundtable on Career Perception for Preclerkship Medical Students

BackgroundLimited exposure to surgical subspecialties during medical school may be responsible for decreasing medical student interest in surgery. Although most medical schools have surgery interest groups to increase exposure, our aim was to evaluate the impact of a focused surgical subspecialty roundtable on preclerkship students’ perceptions of surgical careers. MethodsFaculty members from each surgical subspecialty shared their experiences and led roundtable discussions with five to seven first- and second-year medical students at a time (total n = 59). Pre-event and post-event surveys were administered to assess students’ interest in surgery, knowledge of training paths, values related to specialty selection, and perception of surgeons. ResultsForty students completed pre-event and post-event surveys. The number of students who were extremely or very interested in surgery increased after this event (65% versus 72.5%, P < 0.001). The greatest number of students indicated an interest in orthopedic surgery, and the fewest indicated an interest in neurosurgery. After the event, thirteen (32.5%) students changed their preferences for the subspecialty in which they were most interested. Students demonstrated improved knowledge of training length and integrated residencies (83.8% versus 96.3%, P = 0.003). The perceived importance of intellectual challenge, research opportunities, and training length decreased, whereas the importance of compensation, work/life balance, long-term patient follow-up, and the job market increased. Students' perceptions of surgeons’ work/life balance (10% versus 25%, P < 0.001) and ability to be team players (82.5% versus 85%, P = 0.01) improved significantly after the roundtable. ConclusionsThe surgical specialty roundtable increased students’ interest in surgery, improved knowledge of training paths, and altered perceptions related to career decision-making.

Investigating interest in orthopedic surgery within an entire medical faculty: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundDiscrepancies exist between the magnitude of musculoskeletal problems and the competency of physicians practicing musculoskeletal medicine, which likely stems from medical school-level educational deficiencies. Therefore, inadequate orthopedic surgery education during medical school may affect the number of students aspiring to practice orthopedic surgery. However, the motivating factors underlying medical students' selection of a career specialty are largely unknown. This study aims to use a survey to examine the motivations of medical students who consider orthopedic surgery as a potential career specialty. MethodsA questionnaire survey was administered to medical students in our medical faculty. The results were stratified on the basis of gender, year, and experience as a patient; results were then compared between students who wished to practice orthopedic surgery and those who did not consider it a potential specialty. ResultsOf the 499 students who responded to the questionnaire, 47% considered orthopedic surgery as their career specialty. Being male and having experienced orthopedic surgery as a patient were significant factors influencing the aspiration to practice orthopedic surgery (p < 0.001). In addition, the motivation for choosing orthopedic surgery was academic interest for 55% of students. In the first and fifth years, more than half of the students preferred an orthopedic surgery specialty. The percentage of fifth-year students who were candidates for orthopedic surgery as their career specialty significantly exceeded that of students in other years (p = 0.03). However, the percentage of students considering orthopedic surgery decreased in the sixth year. ConclusionOur findings suggest that orthopedic surgeons should provide a clearer, more informative job description to attract female medical students' attention and change their negative perception of orthopedic surgery. Furthermore, including education that incorporates experiences closer to clinical practice at the medical-school level is important for increasing the number of candidates for orthopedics.

Expanding the Orthopaedic Pipeline: The B.O.N.E.S. Initiative

Although the number of female medical school graduates has dramatically increased over the last decades, Orthopaedic surgery continues to struggle in attracting women and under-represented minorities to the field. Potential barriers include limited exposure during medical school and the scarcity of female mentors. We hypothesized that a structured, low-cost, workshop for medical students allowing exposure to orthopaedic surgery would increase students' interest in the field. Our primary outcome was the perceived satisfaction with the program and the number of students who subsequently expressed an interest in pursuing a career in orthopaedic surgery. Our secondary outcome was the number of student participants who subsequently matched in orthopaedic surgery. Combining female faculty from surrounding hospitals, we developed a free half-day program including skills workshops and panel discussions for women medical students in the region. Participants were asked to complete an anonymous survey grading their satisfaction with the utility of the information presented, the comfort level in interacting with faculty and how the experience may have impacted their potential interest in orthopaedic surgery. Eligible participants were contacted by email to determine their ultimate career choices and match results. Furthermore, participants were followed over time to determine how many chose and matched into an orthopaedic surgery residency. The workshop took place in Boston at the Harvard Medical School affiliated hospitals. Student participants were invited from all New England allopathic and osteopathic medical schools. Faculty participants included staff, residents and fellows from the Harvard Combined Orthopaedic Residency Program. Over 3 years, 155 female medical students participated in the program and 97% found it useful. Among 59 students who have since become eligible for the match, 22 matched into an orthopaedic surgery residency. Eight of 36 (22%) match eligible first and second year participants matched in orthopaedic surgery while 14 of 23 (61%) match eligible third and fourth year student attendees successfully matched in orthopaedic surgery programs. Taking advantage of local resources, we demonstrated that outreach is effective in enhancing students' interest in the field. We encourage as many programs as possible to consider similar initiatives.

Progress in Knee Arthroscopy Skills of Residents and Medical Students: A Prospective Assessment of Simulator Exercises and Analysis of Learning Curves

Knee arthroscopies are very common orthopedic procedures. For a number of reasons, including increased public awareness for medical errors, patient safety, strict regulations governing duty-hours for residents, surgeons' liability, and an increasing emphasis on the efficient use of operating room time, interest in simulator training is on the rise. It was the purpose of this study to analyze learning curves of medical students and orthopedic resident surgeons using a virtual knee arthroscopy simulator. Learning curves of medical students and orthopedic residents were measured perspective using an arthroscopic training simulator for 2 different exercises. Time, camera and probe movement as well as camera and probe roughness were the parameters to be compared. Mean and standard deviation of the initial and the final score for the consecutively performed exercises as well as their slope were reported. The study was performed at the Medical University of Innsbruck, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. Level of clinical care: institutional. A Students Group (n = 10) consisting of medical students at the Medical University of Innsbruck with no prior knowledge of arthroscopy but interest in orthopedic surgery was selected. The group was compared to a Residents Group (n = 9) which was comprised of orthopedic resident surgeons who had learned arthroscopy in operation courses. All participants involved in the study did several repetitions of the described exercises. Both groups improved their skills after several repetitions. Residents were on average faster, moved the camera less, and touched the cortical tissue less than the students. For certain parameters students showed a steeper improvement curve than did residents, because the students started from a different experience level. In conclusion, our results demonstrate the usefulness of virtual knee arthroscopy simulators as an important tool for improving surgical and arthroscopic skills in orthopedic resident surgeons, and medical students.

Analysis of Factors Related to the Sex Diversity of Orthopaedic Residency Programs in the United States

Women are underrepresented as applicants to and trainees of orthopaedic surgery residencies. Factors that attract women to or deter them from orthopaedic surgery have been previously published; however, there has been no analysis of the programs that train high percentages of female residents and the factors that differentiate them from programs that have low percentages of women. The purpose of this study was to identify and compare these factors between programs with high and low percentages of female residents. Information on each orthopaedic surgery residency program listed in the American Medical Association (AMA) Fellowship and Residency Electronic Interactive Database (FREIDA) was collected utilizing residency program web sites, an online survey distributed to residency program coordinators, and a follow-up telephone survey. These included data on resident and faculty demographic characteristics and residency program curriculum structure. The prevalence of factors in programs with the highest percentages of female residents was compared with those with lower percentages. Data were obtained from 143 (97.3%) of 147 programs, with 3,406 residents identified. Only 485 residents (14.2%) were female. Programs with more female residents had more female faculty members per program (p = 0.001), a higher percentage of faculty who were female (p < 0.001), more female associate professors (p < 0.001), more women in leadership positions (p < 0.001), and a higher prevalence of women's sports medicine programs (p = 0.03); were more commonly listed in the Top 40 for National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding (p = 0.03) and U.S. News & World Report rankings (p = 0.02); and were more likely to offer a research year (p = 0.045). There are greater percentages of female residents at orthopaedic residency programs with more female faculty members, more women in leadership positions, a women's sports medicine program, and the option to do a research year. Departmental and national leaders may consider these factors when efforts are undertaken to enhance the recruitment of female applicants and improve female interest in orthopaedic surgery as a specialty.

Enhanced recovery after surgery: the future of elective arthroplasty?

Summary: Enhanced recovery after surgery is a method of streamlining the patient journey pre-, intra- and post-operatively in order to account for foreseeable and unforeseeable barriers to recovery. Originally pioneered in general surgery, the technique has been adopted in other specialities, given its potential to minimise the duration of hospitalisation, hasten recovery and improve patient experience. Enhanced recovery programmes are of particular interest in orthopaedic surgery, where patients who often have multiple comorbidities could gain substantial benefits from more efficient management. This is particularly pertinent given the rising prevalence of age-related joint disease requiring arthroplasty: Enhanced Recovery is more economically and clinically efficient. Relevance: Enhanced recovery is a relatively novel - heterogeneously implemented – method of managing the surgical patient journey. Intrinsic to the success of such programmes is a thorough understanding of its components and close communication within the multidisciplinary team. Medical students’ understanding of what these protocols involve will significantly affect their management of foreseeable – and unforeseeable – barriers to success in elective surgical patients during clinical years and in their future practice. It is therefore essential that all medical students – whether they have an interest in a surgical career or not – have a grounding in the components of enhanced recovery, because such programmes will form part of their practice at some point in their careers. Take-home message: Enhanced recovery is a proactive intervention, which has been shown to be extremely effective across a number of surgical disciplines in reducing length of stay, whilst maximising postoperative outcomes. Trainees would benefit from a detailed knowledge of enhanced recovery programmes in order to provide a higher standard of care during their encounters with patients at every stage of the surgical pathway.

Creation of the bone bank of the Rabat and Casablanca region in Morocco.

For a long time the use of bone grafting has demonstrated its interest in orthopedic surgery and traumatology. The autografts which are still very frequently used present various problems. On the one hand, it is necessary to find a correct mechanical quality and a sufficient quantity of bone. On the other hand, the graft removal lengthens the operative time and generally painful in postoperative. These disadvantages of autografts have led to the development of bone allografts. Indeed, the low immunogenic power of the bone, the good integration of the graft and the ease of bone preservation techniques make it possible to overcome the various problems posed by bone autografts. The increasing use of bone allografts has resulted in the need for a structure allowing the management of graft stocks. The purpose of this work is to demonstrate the mode of operation of a bone bank, whose conservation activity is limited to the femoral heads treated by cryopreservation and without secondary sterilization process. The bank collaborates with all orthopedic surgeons in the Rabat and Casablanca city at first and then with all orthopedic surgeons in Morocco. It provides allografts in quality and safety.