An analysis of the shoulder and elbow section of the orthopedic 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.