Does the Preferred Study Source Impact Orthopedic In-Training Examination Performance?

OBJECTIVE: This study examines the role of electronic learning platforms for medical knowledge acquisition in orthopedic surgery residency training. This study hypothesizes that all methods of medical knowledge acquisition will achieve similar levels of improvement in medical knowledge as measured by change in orthopedic in-training examination (OITE) percentile scores. Our secondary hypothesis is that residents will equally value all study resources for usefulness in acquisition of medical knowledge, preparation for the OITE, and preparation for surgical practice. DESIGN: 9 ACGME accredited orthopedic surgery programs participated with 95% survey completion rate. Survey ranked sources of medical knowledge acquisition and study habits for OITE preparation. Survey results were compared to OITE percentile rank scores. PARTICIPANTS: 386 orthopedic surgery residents SETTING: 9 ACGME accredited orthopaedic surgery residency programs RESULTS: 82% of participants were utilizing online learning resources (Orthobullets, ResStudy, or JBJS Clinical Classroom) as primary sources of learning. All primary resources showed a primary positive change in OITE score from 2018 to 2019. No specific primary source improved performance more than any other sources. JBJS clinical classroom rated highest for improved medical knowledge and becoming a better surgeon while journal reading was rated highest for OITE preparation. Orthopedic surgery residents' expectation for OITE performance on the 2019 examination was a statistically significant predictor of their change (decrease, stay the same, improve) in OITE percentile scores (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that no specific preferred study source outperformed other sources. Significantly 82% of residents listed an online learning platform as their primary source which is a significant shift over the last decade. Further investigation into effectiveness of methodologies for electronic learning platforms in medical knowledge acquisition and in improving surgical competency is warranted.

Computer Navigation in Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The goal of the review is to discuss the common general applications of navigation in the context of minimally invasive spine surgery and assess its value in the published literature comparing against non-navigated or navigated techniques. RECENT FINDINGS: There is increasing utilization of computer navigation in minimally invasive spine surgery. There is synergy between navigation and minimally invasive technologies, such that one enhances or facilitates the other, thus leading to wider applications for both. Specifically, navigation has been shown to improve performance of percutaneous pedicle screw placement, vertebral augmentation, and minimally invasive fusion procedures. Overall, clinical studies have shown better accuracy and less radiation exposure with the use of navigation in spine surgery. The use of navigation in minimally invasive spine surgery enhances the accuracy of instrumentation and decreases radiation exposure. It is yet to be determined whether patient-reported outcomes will differ. Further research on its effect on clinical outcomes may further define the future impact of navigation in minimally invasive spine surgery.