Analysis of the Sports Medicine Section of the Orthopaedic In-Training Examination: Improvements in Levels of Evidence and Question Taxonomy Over a 12-Year Period

Imaging and Surgical Procedures After Surface-Related Collegiate Football Injuries on Artificial Turf Versus Natural Grass: Prevalence and Trends Over 15 Seasons

Background

Few longitudinal studies exist comparing medical procedures after football injuries on artificial and natural grass surfaces.

Purpose/Hypothesis

The purpose of this study was to specifically compare imaging and surgical procedures after surface-related collegiate football injuries on artificial turf versus natural grass. It was hypothesized that there would be no difference in the incidence of imaging and surgical procedures, combined medical procedures, or combined substantial and severe injuries over time between these surfaces.

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods

A total of 39 universities across all Football Bowl Subdivision conferences were evaluated over 15 seasons (2006-2020). Playing surfaces evaluated were either a heavyweight artificial turf infill system (≥9.0 lb infill/ft2) or natural grass. Outcomes of interest included medical procedures across injury category, primary injury type, injury location, and specific procedures. Data involved multivariate analyses of variance (MANOVA) and Wilks λ criteria using general linear model procedures and were expressed as medical procedure incidence rates (IRs) per 10-game season.

Results

Overall, 2224 games were documented: 1106 (49.7%) on artificial turf and 1118 (50.3%) on natural grass. Of the 9137 total injuries reported, 4010 (44%) were surface-related cases. MANOVA indicated significant main effects between surfaces according to imaging procedure (F 2,1738 = 4.718; P = .009), surgical procedure (F 1,539 = 5.974; P = .003), and medical diagnosis (F 2,456 = 2.643; P = .040). Post hoc analyses indicated significantly lower (P < .05) incidences on artificial turf versus natural grass, respectively, for the following outcomes: imaging procedures ordered after player-to-surface impact trauma (IR [95% CI], 1.5 [1.3-1.8] vs 2.1 [1.9-2.4]), shoe-to-surface trauma during physical contact (4.4 [4.1-4.7] vs 5.2 [4.9-5.5]), foot injuries (0.6 [0.5-0.7] vs 1.1 [0.9-1.2]), ligament sprains/tears (4.6 [4.3-4.9] vs 5.3 [5.0-5.6]), muscle strains/tears (0.2 [0.2-0.3] vs 0.7 [0.6-0.9]), surgeries performed after shoe-to-surface trauma during physical contact (1.1 [0.9-1.3] vs 1.6 [1.4-1.8]), lower body surgeries (1.8 [1.6-2.0] vs 2.3 [2.1-2.6]), and surgeries involving ligament tears (1.0 [0.9-1.2] vs 1.5 [1.3-1.7]), as well as fewer diagnoses of syndesmosis sprains/tears (0.7 [0.5-0.8] vs 1.0 [0.8-1.2]) and Lisfranc trauma (0.3 [0.2-0.4] vs 0.5 [0.4-0.7]). Trends over the 15 seasons indicated a significant rise in combined medical procedures (P = .005) and combined substantial and severe injuries (P = .0007) irrespective of surface.

Conclusion

Results indicated that collegiate football competition on heavyweight artificial turf resulted in lower incidences of imaging and surgical procedures and medical diagnoses compared with natural grass.

Update on Educational Resources and Evaluation Tools for Orthopaedic Surgery Residents

Innovations in orthopaedic resident educational resources and evaluation tools are essential to ensuring appropriate training and ultimately the graduation of competent orthopaedic surgeons. In recent years, there have been several advancements in comprehensive educational platforms within orthopaedic surgery. Orthobullets PASS, Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery Clinical Classroom, and American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery Resident Orthopaedic Core Knowledge each have their own unique advantages in preparation for the Orthopaedic In-Training Examination and American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery board certification examinations. In addition, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education Milestones 2.0 and the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery Knowledge Skills Behavior program each provide objective assessment of resident core competencies. Understanding and using these new platforms will help orthopaedic residents, faculty, residency programs, and program leadership to best train and evaluate their residents.

Analysis of Questions in Sections of the Orthopaedic In-Training Examination: A Scoping Review

PURPOSE

The purpose of this review was to assess all available studies that analyzed the types of questions in individual sections of the Orthopaedic In-Training Examination, which may be used as a reference for residents studying for their examination.

METHODS

Following the Providing Innovative Service Models and Assessment extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines, a systematic review was conducted on studies that report on sections or question categories of the Orthopaedic In-Training Examination using PubMed, MEDLINE, and Web of Science databases. Two reviewers and an arbitrator reviewed and extracted relevant data from 20 included studies which made up the systematic review.

RESULTS

All 20 studies in the review reported the mean number of questions per section, with the highest coming from musculoskeletal trauma (18.9% to 19.0%). 18 studies reported the Buckwalter taxonomic classification; 42.0% of questions were T1, 18.2% were T2, and 39.5% were T3 with a wide range from section to section. Primary sources were nearly three times more likely to be cited when compared with textbook sources. There were 12 journals that were commonly cited with the most being the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery: American Volume (17/18).

DISCUSSION

This study accurately portrays the characteristics of each section of the Orthopaedic In-Training Examination over the past 10 years. These data suggest that orthopaedic residents may be inclined to focus on musculoskeletal trauma, topics related to clinical management, and primary journal sources for studying. In addition, residency programs may choose to focus on higher yield sources or material to prepare their residents for the examination.

Comparison of Sports Medicine Questions on the Orthopaedic In-Training Examination Between 2009 and 2012 and 2017 and 2020 Reveals an Increasing Number of References

Purpose

To provide an updated analysis of the sports medicine section of the Orthopedic In-Training Examination (OITE).

Methods

A cross-sectional review of OITE sports medicine questions from 2009 to 2012 and 2017-2020 was performed. Subtopics, taxonomy, references, and use of imaging modalities were recorded and changes between the time periods were analyzed.

Results

The most tested sports medicine subtopics included ACL (12.6%), rotator cuff (10.5%), and throwing injuries to the shoulder (7.4%) in the early subset, while ACL (10%), rotator cuff (6.25%), shoulder instability (6.25%), and throwing injuries to the elbow (6.25%) were the most common in the later subset. The American Journal of Sports Medicine (28.3%) was the most cited journal referenced from 2009 to 2012, while The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (17.5%) was most referenced in questions from 2017 to 2020. The number of references per question increased from the early to the late subset (P < .001). There was a trend toward an increased taxonomy type one questions (P = .114), while type 2 questions had a decreased trend (P = .263) when comparing the new subset to the early group.

Conclusion

When comparing sports medicine OITE questions from 2009 to 2012 and 2017 to 2020, there was an increase in the number of references per question. Subtopics, taxonomy, lag time, and use of imaging modalities did not show statistically significant changes.

Clinical Relevance

This study provides a detailed analysis of the sports medicine section of the OITE, which can be used by residents and program directors to direct their preparation for the annual examination. The results of this study may help examining boards align their examinations and provide a benchmark for future studies.

Cross-Sectional Analysis of Foot and Ankle Questions on the Orthopaedic In-Training Examination: A Guide for Resident Preparation

Background:

The Orthopaedic In-Training Examination (OITE) is a standardized examination administered annually to orthopaedic surgery residents. The examination is designed to evaluate resident knowledge and academic performance of residency programs.

Methods:

All OITE foot and ankle questions from 2009 through 2012 and 2017 through 2020 were analyzed. Subtopics, taxonomy, references, and use of imaging modalities were recorded.

Results:

There were a total of 167 foot and ankle (F&A)–related questions across 8 years of OITE examinations. Trauma remained the most commonly tested subtopic of F&A across both subsets, followed by rehabilitation, tendon disorders, and arthritis. We found an increase in questions related to arthritis (P = .05) and a decrease of questions related to the diabetic foot (P = .02). Taxonomy 3 questions constituted 49.5% of F&A questions from 2009 through 2012 compared with 44.7% of questions from 2017 to 2020 (P = .54). Radiography was the most commonly used imaging modality in both subsets. From 2009 to 2012, 63.6% of questions included a radiograph compared with 76.5% in 2017 through 2020 (P = .13). FAI (Foot & Ankle International), JAAOS (Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons), and JBJS (The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery) were the most commonly cited journals, making up more than 50% of total citations. Citations per question increased from 2.20 to 2.42 from 2009-2012 to 2017-2020 (P = .01). The average lag time in the early subset was 8.2 years and 8.9 years in the later subset.

Conclusion:

This study provides a detailed analysis of the F&A section of the OITE. Use of this analysis can provide residents with a guide on how to better prepare for the OITE examination.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, cross-sectional review of Orthopaedic In-Training Examination questions

Orthopaedic In-Training Examination: History, Perspective, and Tips for Residents

Introduced in 1963, the orthopaedic in-training examination (OITE) is a standardized, national test administered annually to orthopaedic residents by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. The examination consists of 275 multiple-choice questions that cover 11 domains of orthopaedic knowledge, including basic science, foot and ankle, hand, hip and knee, oncology, pediatrics, shoulder and elbow, spine, sports medicine, trauma, and practice management. The OITE has been validated and is considered predictive of success in both orthopaedic surgery residency and on the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery part I examination. This article provides a historical overview of the OITE, details its current structure and scoring system, and reviews currently available study materials. For examination preparation, the residents are encouraged to (1) start the examination preparation early, (2) practice on old OITE or self-assessment examination questions, (3) focus on the questions answered incorrectly, (4) focus on comprehension over memorization, and (5) recognize and avoid burnout. Finally, the residents should have a systemic way of approaching each multiple-choice question, both during practice and on the actual examination.