Analysis of the trauma section of the orthopaedic in-training examination

The Orthopaedic In-Training Examination is a comprehensive test produced annually by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, and was first administered in 1963. At the time of the examination's conception, its objectives were to: (1) measure the knowledge of orthopedic residents and provide objective comparisons; (2) help determine acceptable minimal standards for trainees; and (3) help provide an objective assessment of orthopedic education. We retrospectively reviewed all Orthopaedic In-Training Examinations from 2004 to 2008, with particular focus on the questions listed in the musculoskeletal trauma domain on each year's program director report. The musculoskeletal trauma domain, including topics, recommended answers, and references, was reviewed to provide an educational resource for residents and residency programs when studying or designing educational curricula. The information in this analysis may help in development of a core musculoskeletal trauma knowledge base or facilitate determination of appropriate journal club and didactic lecture content.