An Analysis of the Shoulder and Elbow Section of the Orthopaedic In-Training Examination

The Orthopaedic In-Training Examination (OITE) has been administered to orthopedic residents to assess knowledge and measure teaching quality.

We performed a detailed analysis of the shoulder and elbow (S&E) section of the OITE relating to question con­tent, recommended American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons references, and resident performance. S&E questions from the 2005–2009 examinations were ana­lyzed for resident performance scores, tested topics, tested imaging modalities, tested treatment modalities, taxonomy classification, and recommended references.

The S&E section made up 5.9% of the OITE. Mean resi­dent performance on the entire OITE and on the S&E sec­tion improved during each training year. Imaging modal­ity questions typically involved radiographs, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography. These questions made up 37.5% of the S&E section. Treatment modality questions made up 45% of the S&E section and related mostly to shoulder arthroplasty and rehabilitation. Taxonomy classification showed that recall questions were most common. However, mean resident performance was minimally affected by question type. Recommended refer­ences were most commonly journal articles.

Results of this study provided unique information relat­ed to content, recommended references, and resident performance on the S&E section of the OITE. We hope that use of this information will help improve resident performance and optimize S&E curricula.