Aims. We aim to objectively assess the impact of COVID-19 on mean total operative cases for all indicative procedures (as outlined by the Joint Committee on Surgical Training (JCST)) experienced by orthopaedic trainees in the deanery of the Republic of Ireland. Subjective experiences were reported for each trainee using questionnaires. Methods. During the first four weeks of the nationwide lockdown due to COVID-19, the objective impact of the pandemic on each trainee’s surgical caseload exposure was assessed using data from individual trainee logbook profiles in the deanery of the Republic of Ireland. Independent predictor variables included the trainee grade (ST 3 to 8), the individual trainee, the unit that the logbook was reported from, and the year in which the logbook was recorded. We used the analysis of variance (ANOVA) test to assess for any statistically significant predictor variables. The subjective experience of each trainee was captured using an electronic questionnaire. Results. The mean number of total procedures per trainee over four weeks was 36.8 (7 to 99; standard deviation (SD) 19.67) in 2018, 40.6 (6 to 81; SD 17.90) in 2019, and 18.3 (3 to 65; SD 11.70) during the pandemic of 2020 (p = 0.043). Significant reductions were noted for all elective indicative procedures, including arthroplasty (p = 0.019), osteotomy (p = 0.045), nerve decompression (p = 0.024) and arthroscopy (p = 0.024). In contrast, none of the nine indicative procedures for trauma were reduced. There was a significant inter-unit difference in the mean number of total cases (p = 0.029) and indicative cases (p = 0.0005) per trainee. We noted that 7.69% (n = 3) of trainees contracted COVID-19. Conclusion. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the mean number of operative cases per trainee has been significantly reduced for four of the 13 indicative procedures, as outlined by the JCST. Reassignment of trainees to high-volume institutions in the future may be a plausible approach to mitigate significant training deficits in those trainees worst impacted by the reduction in operative exposure

Aims. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the provision of orthopaedic care across the UK. During the pandemic orthopaedic specialist registrars were redeployed to “frontline” specialties occupying non-surgical roles. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on orthopaedic training in the UK is unknown. This paper sought to examine the role of orthopaedic trainees during the COVID-19 and the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on postgraduate orthopaedic education. Methods. A 42-point questionnaire was designed, validated, and disseminated via e-mail and an instant-messaging platform. Results. A total of 101 orthopaedic trainees, representing the four nations (Wales, England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland), completed the questionnaire. Overall, 23.1% (23/101) of trainees were redeployed to non-surgical roles. Of these, 73% (17/23) were redeployed to intensive treatment units (ITUs), 13% (3/23) to A/E, and 13%(3/23%) to general medicine. Of the trainees redeployed to ITU 100%, (17/17) received formal induction. Non-deployed or returning trainees had a significant reduction in sessions. In total, 42.9% (42/101) % of trainees were not timetabled into fracture clinic, 53% (53/101) of trainees had one allocated theatre list per week, and 63.8%(64/101) of trainees did not feel they obtained enough experience in the attached subspecialty and preferred repeating this. Overall, 93% (93/101) of respondents attended at least one weekly online webinar, with 79% (79/101) of trainees rating these as useful or very useful, while 95% (95/101) trainees attended online deanery teaching which was rated as more useful than online webinars (p = 0.005). Conclusion. Orthopaedic specialist trainees occupied an important role during the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 has had a significant impact on orthopaedic training. It is imperative this is properly understood to ensure orthopaedic specialist trainees achieve competencies set out in the training curriculum. Cite this article: Bone Joint Open 2020;1-11:676–682

Introduction. Procedure Based Assessments (PBAs) were recently introduced for orthopaedic trainees and play an increasing role in assessment. The study aims to describe the attitudes of trainees to the educational benefit of PBAs and the factors which underlie these attitudes. Methodology. A link to an online questionnaire was sent via the eLogbook email system to all orthopaedic trainees in the UK with a National Training Number (NTN). The questions were attitude statements with Likert-type scaled responses, free text responses and closed questions. Results. Of 668 responses, 616 trainees with NTNs were included, with a good spread of seniority and geographical location. Trainees found PBAs useful for delivery of feedback (53%). The role of PBAs as evidence of competence in the annual review of progression was more controversial, with 31.8% agreeing. 61% of respondents found there were barriers to the successful use of PBAs. Trainee and trainer behaviours have been identified that significantly increase the chance of trainees improving their practice, such as completing the PBA at the time of the procedure (p< 0.001) and the trainer delivering quality feedback when using PBAs (p< 0.001), but completing higher numbers of PBAs does not have this effect (p=0.26). Training Programme Directors (TPDs) were perceived to be supportive of the use of PBAs (67.3%), and trainees with strongly supportive TPDs were more likely to improve their practice using PBAs (p=0.014). There were wide variations between Training Programmes in use of and satisfaction with PBAs. Conclusion. This is the first nationwide study in the UK investigating the attitudes of trainees to PBAs. Trainees found PBAs can be educationally beneficial, but that this benefit is contingent on a variety of factors highlighted in this study. These findings may inform the debate as to how to improve the effective use of PBAs in orthopaedic training

Aims. Global literature suggests that female surgical trainees have lower rates of independent operating (operative autonomy) than their male counterparts. The objective of this study was to identify any association between gender and lead/independent operating in speciality orthopaedic trainees within the UK national training programme. Methods. This was a retrospective case-control study using electronic surgical logbook data from 2009 to 2021 for 274 UK orthopaedic trainees. Total operative numbers and level of supervision were compared between male and female trainees, with correction for less than full-time training (LTFT), prior experience, and time out during training (OOP). The primary outcome was the percentage of cases undertaken as lead surgeon (supervised and unsupervised) by UK orthopaedic trainees by gender. Results. All participants gave permission for their data to be used. In total, 274 UK orthopaedic trainees submitted data (65% men (n = 177) and 33% women (n = 91)), with a total of 285,915 surgical procedures logged over 1,364 trainee-years. Males were lead surgeon (under supervision) on 3% more cases than females (61% (115,948/189,378) to 58% (50,285/86,375), respectively; p < 0.001), and independent operator (unsupervised) on 1% more cases. A similar trend of higher operative numbers in male trainees was seen for senior (ST6 to 8) trainees (+5% and +1%; p < 0.001), those with no time OOP (+6% and +8%; p < 0.001), and those with orthopaedic experience prior to orthopaedic specialty training (+7% and +3% for lead surgeon and independent operator, respectively; p < 0.001). The gender difference was less marked for those on LTFT training, those who took time OOP, and those with no prior orthopaedic experience. Conclusion. This study showed that males perform 3% more cases as the lead surgeon than females during UK orthopaedic training (p < 0.001). This may be due to differences in how cases are recorded, but must engender further research to ensure that all surgeons are treated equitably during their training. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(7):821–832

Aims. Ankle fracture fixation is commonly performed by junior trainees. Simulation training using cadavers may shorten the learning curve and result in a technically superior surgical performance. Methods. We undertook a preliminary, pragmatic, single-blinded, multicentre, randomized controlled trial of cadaveric simulation versus standard training. Primary outcome was fracture reduction on postoperative radiographs. Results. Overall, 139 ankle fractures were fixed by 28 postgraduate year three to five trainee surgeons (mean age 29.4 years; 71% males) during ten months' follow-up. Under the intention-to-treat principle, a technically superior fixation was performed by the cadaveric-trained group compared to the standard-trained group, as measured on the first postoperative radiograph against predefined acceptability thresholds. The cadaveric-trained group used a lower intraoperative dose of radiation than the standard-trained group (mean difference 0.011 Gym. 2. , 95% confidence interval 0.003 to 0.019; p = 0.009). There was no difference in procedure time. Conclusion. Trainees randomized to cadaveric training performed better ankle fracture fixations and irradiated patients less during surgery compared to standard-trained trainees. This effect, which was previously unknown, is likely to be a consequence of the intervention. Further study is required. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(8):594–601

Aims. To evaluate if, for orthopaedic trainees, additional cadaveric simulation training or standard training alone yields superior radiological and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing dynamic hip screw (DHS) fixation or hemiarthroplasty for hip fracture. Methods. This was a preliminary, pragmatic, multicentre, parallel group randomized controlled trial in nine secondary and tertiary NHS hospitals in England. Researchers were blinded to group allocation. Overall, 40 trainees in the West Midlands were eligible: 33 agreed to take part and were randomized, five withdrew after randomization, 13 were allocated cadaveric training, and 15 were allocated standard training. The intervention was an additional two-day cadaveric simulation course. The control group received standard on-the-job training. Primary outcome was implant position on the postoperative radiograph: tip-apex distance (mm) (DHS) and leg length discrepancy (mm) (hemiarthroplasty). Secondary clinical outcomes were procedure time, length of hospital stay, acute postoperative complication rate, and 12-month mortality. Procedure-specific secondary outcomes were intraoperative radiation dose (for DHS) and postoperative blood transfusion requirement (hemiarthroplasty). Results. Eight female (29%) and 20 male trainees (71%), mean age 29.4 years, performed 317 DHS operations and 243 hemiarthroplasties during ten months of follow-up. Primary analysis was a random effect model with surgeon-level fixed effects of patient condition, patient age, and surgeon experience, with a random intercept for surgeon. Under the intention-to-treat principle, for hemiarthroplasty there was better implant position in favour of cadaveric training, measured by leg length discrepancy ≤ 10 mm (odds ratio (OR) 4.08 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.17 to 14.22); p = 0.027). There were significantly fewer postoperative blood transfusions required in patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty by cadaveric-trained compared to standard-trained surgeons (OR 6.00 (95% CI 1.83 to 19.69); p = 0.003). For DHS, there was no significant between-group difference in implant position as measured by tip-apex distance ≤ 25 mm (OR 6.47 (95% CI 0.97 to 43.05); p = 0.053). No between-group differences were observed for any secondary clinical outcomes. Conclusion. Trainees randomized to additional cadaveric training performed hip fracture fixation with better implant positioning and fewer postoperative blood transfusions in hemiarthroplasty. This effect, which was previously unknown, may be a consequence of the intervention. Further study is required. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(8):602–611

Aims. Arthroplasty skills need to be acquired safely during training, yet operative experience is increasingly hard to acquire by trainees. Virtual reality (VR) training using headsets and motion-tracked controllers can simulate complex open procedures in a fully immersive operating theatre. The present study aimed to determine if trainees trained using VR perform better than those using conventional preparation for performing total hip arthroplasty (THA). Patients and Methods. A total of 24 surgical trainees (seven female, 17 male; mean age 29 years (28 to 31)) volunteered to participate in this observer-blinded 1:1 randomized controlled trial. They had no prior experience of anterior approach THA. Of these 24 trainees, 12 completed a six-week VR training programme in a simulation laboratory, while the other 12 received only conventional preparatory materials for learning THA. All trainees then performed a cadaveric THA, assessed independently by two hip surgeons. The primary outcome was technical and non-technical surgical performance measured by a THA-specific procedure-based assessment (PBA). Secondary outcomes were step completion measured by a task-specific checklist, error in acetabular component orientation, and procedure duration. Results. VR-trained surgeons performed at a higher level than controls, with a median PBA of Level 3a (procedure performed with minimal guidance or intervention) versus Level 2a (guidance required for most/all of the procedure or part performed). VR-trained surgeons completed 33% more key steps than controls (mean 22 (. sd. 3) vs 12 (. sd. 3)), were 12° more accurate in component orientation (mean error 4° (. sd. 6°) vs 16° (. sd. 17°)), and were 18% faster (mean 42 minutes (. sd. 7) vs 51 minutes (. sd. 9)). Conclusion. Procedural knowledge and psychomotor skills for THA learned in VR were transferred to cadaveric performance. Basic preparatory materials had limited value for trainees learning a new technique. VR training advanced trainees further up the learning curve, enabling highly precise component orientation and more efficient surgery. VR could augment traditional surgical training to improve how surgeons learn complex open procedures. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:1585–1592

Aims. Simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been used due to its financial advantages, overall resource usage, and convenience for the patient. The training model where a trainee performs the first TKA, followed by the trainer surgeon performing the second TKA, is a unique model to our institution. This study aims to analyze the functional and clinical outcomes of bilateral simultaneous TKA when performed by a trainee or a supervising surgeon, and also to assess these outcomes based on which side was done by the trainee or by the surgeon. Methods. This was a retrospective cohort study of all simultaneous bilateral TKAs performed by a single surgeon in an academic institution between May 2003 and November 2017. Exclusion criteria were the use of partial knee arthroplasty procedures, staged bilateral procedures, and procedures not performed by the senior author on one side and the trainee on another. Primary clinical outcomes of interest included revision and re-revision. Primary functional outcomes included the Oxford Knee Score (OKS) and patient satisfaction scores. Results. In total, 315 patients (630 knees) were included for analysis. Of these, functional scores were available for 189 patients (378 knees). There was a 1.9% (n = 12) all-cause revision rate for all knees. Overall, 12 knees in ten patients were revised, and both right and left knees were revised in two patients. The OKS and patient satisfaction scores were comparable for trainees and supervising surgeons. A majority of patients (88%, n = 166) were either highly likely (67%, n = 127) or likely (21%, n = 39) to recommend bilateral TKAs to a friend. Conclusion. Simultaneous bilateral TKA can be used as an effective teaching model for trainees without any significant impact on patient clinical or functional outcomes. Excellent functional and clinical outcomes in both knees, regardless of whether the performing surgeon is a trainee or supervising surgeon, can be achieved with simultaneous bilateral TKA. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(1):29–34

Abstract. Background. Recruitment of patients to participate in Randomised control trials (RCTs) is a challenging task, especially for trauma trials in which the identification and recruitment are time-limited. Multiple strategies have been tried to improve the participation of doctors and recruitment of patients. Aim. To study the effect of a trainee advocate (trainee Principal investigator-tPI) on influencing junior doctors to take part in trials and its effect on recruitment for a multicenter prospective hip fracture RCT. Methods. A retrospective study comparing the number of junior doctors participating in trials and patients recruited before and after the introduction of informal tPI role at UHW Cardiff. Results. The target recruitment set by the central trial unit was 9/month. Excluding the research team, there were 6 trainees actively recruiting in the before period (Feb’19-July’19) in comparison with 12 in the after period (Sept’19-Feb’20). TPI had a direct influence on 9 of the 11 trainees to get involved in the trials by guidance and nudging. There were 105 eligible patients of which 62 were recruited (59% of eligible pts, 115% of target) in the before period in comparison with 102 recruited (76% of eligible pts, 189% of target) out of the 135 eligible patients in the after period. The proportion of recruitment done by the research team to that of trainees was 79%:21% in the before period in comparison with 30%:70% in the after period further improving to 15%:85% in the last 3 months. Conclusion. TPI can work alongside the PI and research team to be a valuable link person coordinating and engaging local trainees to take part in trials. This may be particularly beneficial in hospitals where there is no dedicated research team. TPI role could be formalized for many trials and can be used as a leadership & management potential building experience for trainees. Declaration of Interest. (b) declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research reported:I declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research project

Aims. The long-term functional outcome of total hip arthroplasty (THA) performed by trainees is not known. A multicentre retrospective study of 879 THAs was undertaken to investigate any differences in outcome between those performed by trainee surgeons and consultants. . Patients and Methods. A total of 879 patients with a mean age of 69.5 years (37 to 94) were included in the study; 584 THAs (66.4%) were undertaken by consultants, 138 (15.7%) by junior trainees and 148 (16.8%) by senior trainees. Patients were scored using the Harris Hip Score (HHS) pre-operatively and at one, three, five, seven and ten years post-operatively. Surgical outcome, complications and survival were compared between groups. The effect of supervision was determined by comparing supervised and unsupervised trainees. A primary univariate analysis was used to select variables for inclusion in multivariate analysis. . Results. There was no evidence that the grade of the surgeon had a significant effect on the survival of the patients or the rate of revision (p = 0.987 and 0.405, respectively) up to 12 years post-operatively. There was no significant difference in post-operative functional HHS or total HHS among consultants, junior and seniors up to ten years post-operatively (p = 0.401 and 0.331), respectively. There was no significant difference in hospital stay (p = 0.855) between different grades of surgeons. There was no evidence that the level of supervision had an effect on the survival of the patients or the rate of revision (p = 0.837 and 0.203, respectively) up to 12 years post-operatively. There was no significant difference between supervised and unsupervised trainee groups in post-operative functional HHS or total HHS up to ten years post-operatively (p = 0.213 and 0.322, respectively). There was no significant difference in the mean hospital stay between supervised and unsupervised trainees (p = 0.908). . Take home message: This study suggests that when trainees are appropriately supervised, they can obtain results comparable with those of their consultant colleagues when performing THA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:301–6

The process of obtaining informed consent is an important and complex pursuit, especially within a paediatric setting. Medical governing bodies have stated that the role of the trainee surgeon must be explained to patients and their families during the consent process. Despite this, attitudes and practices of surgeons and their trainees regarding disclosure of the trainee's participation during the consent process has not been reported in the paediatric setting. Nineteen face-to-face interviews were conducted with surgical trainees and staff surgeons at a tertiary level paediatric hospital in Toronto, Canada. These were transcribed and subsequently thematically coded by three reviewers. Five main themes were identified from the interviews. 1) Surgeons do not consistently disclose the role of surgical trainees to parents. 2) Surgical trainees are purposefully vague in disclosing their role during the consent discussion without being misleading. 3) Surgeons and surgical trainees believe parents do not fully understand the specific role of surgical trainees. 4) Graduated responsibility is an important aspect of training surgeons. 5) Surgeons feel a responsibility towards both their patients and their trainees. Surgeons don't explicitly inform patients about the involvement of trainees, believing there is a lack of understanding of the training process. Trainee perspectives reflect this, with the view that families are aware of their participation but likely underestimate their role, and suggest that information is kept purposely vague to reduce anxiety. The majority of surgeons and surgical trainees do not voluntarily disclose the degree of trainee participation in surgery during the informed consent discussion with parents. An open and honest discussion should occur, allowing for parents to make an informed decision regarding their child's care. Further patient education regarding trainees' roles would help develop a more thorough and patient centred informed consent process

Balancing service provision and surgical training is a challenging issue that affects all healthcare systems. A multicentre prospective study of 1501 total hip replacements was undertaken to investigate whether there is an association between surgical outcome and the grade of the operating surgeon, and whether there is any difference in outcome if surgeons’ assistants assist with the operation, rather than orthopaedic trainees. The primary outcome measure was the change in the Oxford hip score (OHS) at five years. Secondary outcomes included the rate of revision and dislocation, operating time, and length of hospital stay. There was no significant difference in ΔOHS or complication rates between operations undertaken by trainers and trainees, or those at which surgeons’ assistants and trainees were the assistant. However, there was a significant difference in the duration of surgery, with a mean reduction of 28 minutes in those in which a surgeons’ assistant was the assistant. This study provides evidence that total hip replacements can be performed safely and effectively by appropriately trained surgeons in training, and that there are potential benefits of using surgeons’ assistants in orthopaedic surgery

Training time in Trauma & Orthopaedics is pressured. In this action research project, we develop a feedback/self-reflection model for trainers and trainees, emphasising the contribution both groups make to training, to maximise cohesion and efficacy. Starting in 2013, trainees completed anonymous feedback forms after each 6-month post. The 18-point quantitative questionnaire covers four training domains: WBA engagement, teaching/feedback, research/audit, operative training. Consultant trainers completed a once-off corresponding 18-point self-reflection questionnaire. Additionally, trainers were asked for their expectations of and advice for trainees. Individual trainer profiles were generated from trainee feedback questionnaires, allowing comparison between trainer-group-average, trainer-specific and trainer-self-reflection scores across 18 fields. Trainer profiles were uploaded to ISCP and used for recognition of trainer status for SOAR. This data provided basis for local service provision review with amendments to maximise training efficacy. Results of thematic analysis of trainer feedback was shared with the trainee group. This and subsequent group self-reflection formed the basis of our ‘Trainee Charter’. Trainee feedback illustrates high levels of satisfaction with local training (average global score 4.2/5). Strengths included ‘feedback’ and ‘operative teaching’; relative weaknesses included ‘research time’ and ‘OPD teaching’. The ‘Trainee Charter’ details specific desirable behaviours that embody eight trainee-qualities consistently identified by trainers as important, including ‘honesty’ and ‘being organised’. The charter emphasises trainee contribution to training. For the first time, trainers have the benefit of serial and individualised feedback. Trainees are better informed and empowered in relation to maximising their own training. Most importantly, both halves of the training-team are explicitly acknowledged

Introduction. There is a paucity of research investigating the effect of the experience of the operating surgeon on the long term function and survivorship of total hip replacements (THR). With the advent of individualised surgeon data being available to patients via the National Joint Registry, the desire to avoid complications and poor performance grows. This potentially reduces the availability of operative opportunities for trainees as consultants seek to ensure good results. Method & Results. A multicentre retrospective study of 879 THR was undertaken to investigate any differences in outcome between trainee surgeons and consultants. The effect of trainee supervision on the surgical outcome was also assessed. The primary outcome measures were survivorship and the Harris Hip Score (HHS). Rates of deep infection and dislocation were also recorded. Patients were evaluated pre-operatively and at 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 years post-operatively. Surgical outcome was compared between junior trainees, senior trainees and consultants. The effect of supervision on final outcome was determined by comparing supervised and unsupervised trainees. 66.4% of patients were operated by consultants, 15.7% by junior trainees (ST3–5 equivalent) and 16.8% by senior trainees (ST6–8 equivalent). 10 year implant survival rates were; consultants 96.4 %, senior trainees 98.0 % and junior trainees 97.1%. There was no significant difference in post-operative HHS among consultants, senior and junior trainees at 1 year (p=0.122), 3 year (p=0.282), 5 year (p=0.063), 7 year (p=0.875), or at 10 years (p=0.924). There was no significant difference in HHS between supervised and unsupervised trainees at 1 year (p=0.220), 3 year (p=0.0.542), 5 year (p=0.880), 7 year (p=0.953) and 10-years (p=0.787). Comparison of surgical outcome between the supervised and unsupervised trainees also shows no significant difference in implant survival years (p=0.257). Conclusion. This study provides evidence that when trainees are appropriately supervised there is no negative effect on patient outcomes

Aims. This study was conducted to investigate the influence of surgical experience on the outcomes and component positioning of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We compared the outcomes and component positioning of simultaneous bilateral TKAs performed by supervisors and trainee surgeons. Patients and Methods. A total of 20 patients (40 knees) who underwent simultaneous bilateral primary TKA using the same cruciate-retaining TKA system between 2011 and 2015 were included. The mean patient age was 76 years (range: 64 to 86 years). There were 2 males and 18 females. The first phase of the operation was performed on the knee that was more severely degenerated by one supervisor who had performed over 1000 TKAs. The other knee was operated on next by trainee surgeons who had performed less than 20 TKAs. The knees were categorized into two groups: those operated on by supervisors (group S) and those operated on by trainee surgeons (group T). Outcome measures included range of motion (ROM), Knee Score (KS), and Function Score (FS). We also evaluated operative time, alignment of the leg, and the orientation of components, which was determined on post-operative long-leg coronal films. Results. The mean pre-operative maximal flexion was 119.8° in group T and 114.8° in group S (p=0.548). The mean pre-operative KS was 47.5 in group T and 35.6 in group S (p<0.01). The mean operative time was 124.5 min in group T and 91.8 min in group S (p<0.01). The mean post-operative maximal flexion was 114.0° in group T and 113.0° in group S (p=0.967). The mean post-operative KS was 93.9 in group T and 92.9 in group S (p=0.978). There were no significant differences in the ROM and KS when comparing supervisor and trainee surgeons. The overall mean FS increased to 70 from 42. The varus angle of the mean coronal tibial component was −1.12° in group T and 1.12° in group S (p<0.01). The varus angle of the mean coronal femoral component was 0.24° in group T and 1.82° in group S (p=0.0447). The mean FTA was 172.7° in group T and 176.4° in group S (p<0.01). The mean HKA was 179.2° in group T and 182.9° in group S (p<0.01). Conclusions. Operative time was significantly longer for TKAs performed by trainee surgeons compared to those performed by supervisors. However, alignment for knees in the supervisor group were significantly more likely to be varus compared with those in the trainee group. This study showed no significant difference in ROM and KS between supervisors and trainee surgeons

A multicentre retrospective study of 879 total hip replacements (THR) was undertaken to investigate any differences in outcome between trainee surgeons and consultants. The effect of trainee supervision was also assessed. The primary outcome measures were survivorship and the Harris Hip Score (HHS). Length of stay was a secondary outcome. Patients were evaluated pre-operatively and at 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 years post-operatively. Surgical outcome was compared between junior trainees, senior trainees and consultants. The effect of supervision was determined by comparing supervised and unsupervised trainees. There was no significant difference in post-operative HHS among consultants, senior and junior trainees at 1 year (p=0.122), at 3 years (p=0.282), at 5 years (p=0.063), at 7 years (p=0.875), or at 10 years (p=0.924) follow up. Additionally there was no significant difference in HHS between supervised and unsupervised trainees at 1 year (p=0.220), 3 years (p=0.0.542), 5 years (p=0.880), 7 years (p=0.953) and 10-year (p=0.787) follow-up. Comparison of surgical outcome between the supervised and unsupervised trainees also shows no significant difference in hospital stay (p=0.989), or implant survival years (p=0.257). This study provides evidence that when trainees are appropriately supervised, they can obtain equally good results compared with consultants when performing THR

Introduction. Entry into orthopaedic higher surgical training remains extremely competitive, however little evidence exists regarding the validity of short-listing and interviewing for selection. This paper assesses the relative correlations of short-listing and interview scores in predicting subsequent performance as an orthopaedic trainee. Methods. We compared data from the selection process (short-listing and interview scores) to subsequent performance during training (academic output and an annual assessment score by Programme Director). Data was prospectively collected from 115 trainees on the South West Thames region of the U.K. during 2000–2010. Results. We found that trainees achieving an interview score within the top third subsequently produced a higher academic output and had a higher annual assessment score than their peers (MANOVA, p>0.05) see Figure 1. [Academic output vs interview score rank (thirds)]. The short-listing scores did not correlate with subsequent academic output or annual assessment score see Figure 2. [Academic output vs shortlist score rank (thirds)]. We found no statistical correlation between the short-listing and interview scores (r. 2. < 0.1). Discussion. This study provides an evidence base to support the value of interviews by senior surgeons in the selection of trainees. We support the following selection process for orthopaedic trainees: long listing followed by a competitive interview(s) of all remaining candidates

Purpose. To highlight the cardiovascular responses of a trainee and supervising consultant while performing Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) and to demonstrate the impact that supervision has on both their responses. Methods. A third year orthopaedic trainee and his consultant underwent non-invasive, continuous cardiac monitoring while performing three primary TKAs. The consultant performed one TKA with the trainee assisting. The trainee then performed two TKAs as primary surgeon. The consultant supervised one TKA scrubbed and the other un-scrubbed. A third person noted the timing of each distinct intra-operative step. A significant peak was defined as an increase in heart rate (HR) of >10%. Results. Trainee. Significant peaks were only observed when acting as primary surgeon. Peaks occurred during patient positioning, approach, femoral cut, tibial cut, component trial, soft tissue balancing and cementation. Maximum HR was observed during cementation. Scrubbed supervision reduced the magnitude of these peaks and of the maximum HR. Consultant. Significant peaks were only observed when supervising the trainee. Timing of these peaks and the maximum HR coincided with those of the trainee. Both were of the higher magnitude when supervising un-scrubbed. Conclusion. Significant peaks in HR illustrate the cardiovascular impact of performing TKA. This impact is greatest during the seven definitive steps of the procedure that we have highlighted. This cardiovascular impact of performing TKA reduces as the experience of the surgeon increases. Supervision of a less experienced/trainee surgeon performing a TKA also has a cardiovascular impact on the supervising consultant. To reduce this impact on both trainee and consultant we suggest that supervision, when required, is best provided scrubbed rather than un-scrubbed

Trainees experience significant stress in the operating room, with potentially adverse effects on performance and learning. Psychological resilience explains why some individuals excel despite significant stress, meeting challenges with optimism and flexibility. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships between trainee resilience, intraoperative stress, and desire to leave residency training. Qualitative focus groups and a literature review were used to develop a new instrument to assess Surgical TRainee Experiences of StresS in the Operating Room (STRESSOR). STRESSOR was used in a survey of Canadian surgical residents to assess trainee stress. Resiliency was measured using the 10-item Connor-Davidson Resiliency Scale (CD-RISC-10). The survey was distributed nationally and 171 responses were collected for a 36% response rate. The greatest sources of intraoperative stress were time pressure, attending temperament, and being interrupted by a pager. The STRESSOR instrument had strong reliability (Cronbach's α=0.92) and demonstrated good construct validity using confirmatory factor analysis. The mean CD-RISC-10 score was 28.8, which is similar to that of Canadian medical students. Resilience was protective against intraoperative stress (R2=0.16, p<0.001). Residents with higher stress or lower resilience were more likely to have seriously considered leaving their training program (Spearman's rho = 0.42, p<0.001). Screening for resilience may assist in selecting trainees who are better able to manage stress during surgery and reduce resident attrition. Resiliency training may help learners manage the high stress environment of the operating room, potentially improving surgical performance and learning in the next generation of surgeons