Abstract
It has been suggested that recent reduction in hours worked by orthopaedic trainees in the UK may result in less exposure to operative procedures.
To examine this possible change, operative data showing the participation of specialist registrars in orthopaedic trauma cases were examined over 6-month periods in 2002 and 2007. Operations specifically examined included dynamic hip screw, hip hemiarthroplasty, manipulation under anaesthetic, ankle fracture fixation, and tension band wiring. A traditional on-call system was used throughout but the number of working hours was reduced.
Analysing individual operations, the results demonstrated a general trend for trainees to perform fewer procedures in the 2007 group, but this difference was not statistically significant. Level of consultant supervision was not significantly different except for hip hemiarthroplasty, which was higher in 2007. When considering all operations together, there was a significant decrease in the number of procedures performed by trainees in 2007, and although there was a trend for more supervision, this was not significant. Trainees were present for a significantly lower proportion of procedures in 2007 than 2002.
We conclude that it appears operative experience in orthopaedic trainees may be less than 5 years ago and this may be associated decreased attendance in theatre.
The abstracts were prepared by Mr D J Bracey, Editorial Secretary. Correspondence should be addressed to him at Royal Cornwall Hospital, Treliske, Cornwall TR1 3LJ, England.
