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Left-Handedness Among Orthopaedic Surgeons and Trainees
Samir Sabharwal1, James S MacKenzie1, Robert S Sterling1
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.
JB & JS Open Access
|August 25, 2020
Summary
Fifteen percent of orthopaedic surgeons are left hand dominant (LHD). LHD surgeons report higher ambidexterity in surgical tasks, but this doesn't correlate with perceived advantage. Mentorship may benefit LHD trainees.
Area of Science:
- Orthopaedic Surgery
- Surgical Education
- Handedness Research
Background:
- The prevalence and impact of left-handedness among orthopaedic surgeons and trainees are not well-documented.
- This study addresses the gap in understanding the experiences of left-handed individuals in orthopaedic surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of left-handedness in orthopaedic surgery.
- To explore the perceived impact and surgical task adaptation of left-handedness among orthopaedic surgeons and trainees.
Main Methods:
- A survey was distributed to members of the American Orthopaedic Association and Council of Orthopaedic Residency Directors affiliates.
- The survey collected data on handedness, surgical task performance (scalpel/cautery, suturing), and perceptions of handedness impact.
Main Results:
- 15% of respondents were left hand dominant (LHD).
- LHD individuals reported significantly higher rates of ambidexterity in scalpel/cautery use (26%) and suturing (9%) compared to right hand dominant (RHD) individuals.
- Ambidexterity was not linked to a perception of advantage, though LHD attending surgeons were more likely than trainees to perceive their handedness as advantageous.
Conclusions:
- Left-handedness is prevalent in 15% of orthopaedic surgeons and trainees.
- Higher ambidexterity in surgical tasks among LHD individuals does not equate to a perceived advantage.
- Pairing LHD residents with LHD faculty may offer valuable mentorship for surgical training.
