Residency programs are continually attempting to predict the performance of both current and potential residents. Previous studies have supported the use of USMLE Step 1 and 2 as predictors of Orthopaedic In-Training Examination and eventual American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery board success, while others show no significant correlation. A strong performance on OITE exams does correlate with strong residency performance, and some believe OITE scores are good predictors of future written board success. The current study was designed to examine potential differences in resident assessment measures and their predictive value for written boards. A retrospective review of resident performance data was performed for the past 10 years. Personalized information was removed by the residency coordinator. USMLE Step 1, USMLE Step 2, in-training exams (from first to fifth years of training), and written orthopaedic specialty board scores were collected. Subsequently, the residents were separated into two groups, those scoring above the 35th percentile on in-training examinations and those scoring below. Data were analyzed using correlation and regression analyses to compare and contrast the scores across all tests.Purpose
Method
Metal-on-metal (MOM) hip resurfacing devices are known to release metal ions locally and into the systemic circulation. Previous studies suggest that larger prosthetic head size will correlate to reduced wear properties and may result in lower systemic release of metal ions. This project assessed the effect of femoral head size on serum cobalt (Co) and chromium (Cr) levels in subjects after unilateral hip resurfacing with the Cormet 2000 prosthesis. We prospectively collected patient characteristics, outcome, and serum samples from device implanted subjects at six months, one, two, and three years following surgery. Serum Co/Cr levels were determined using high-resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Students t-test was used to compare ion levels in two groups based on femoral head size. Thirty-five subjects (twenty male) were followed. Co/Cr levels were increased at all time points when compared to control levels. A significant negative correlation was observed between Co and Cr levels and femoral head size. Co/Cr levels in subjects with larger femoral heads were significantly lower when compared to those implanted with smaller heads (Co, −35.8%; Cr, −33.0%). This correlated with significantly higher Co/Cr levels in females versus males, with females receiving significantly smaller heads on average. Elevated serum Co/Cr levels were observed at all time points following implantation and in females and in subjects with femoral heads.
