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PROFILE AND LEARNING CURVE OF BRAZILIAN SURGEONS REGARDING SHOULDER ARTHROSCOPY
Guilherme Vieira Lima1,2, Paulo Santoro Belangero1,3, Renato Aroca Zan1,4
1. Sociedade Brasileira de Cirurgia de Ombro e Cotovelo (SBCOC), Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Objective:
The aim of this study is to investigate the number of surgeries necessary for an orthopedic surgeon specialized in shoulder surgery to become proficient in performing arthroscopy. This is an original article with level V evidence.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was designed to examine the perspectives of surgeons at various stages of their careers, using an online questionnaire.
Results:
A total of 251 participants responded. The most prevalent training period was more than 15 years of experience. The proficient level was the most prevalent. In evaluating the number of arthroscopies by proficiency level, all agreed that for the specialist level, a total of over 500 arthroscopies is necessary. Most respondents judged 31 to 50 arthroscopies as necessary to perform safely. According to the methodologies, the best-rated were acting as the lead surgeon and training on cadavers.
Conclusion:
The study showed that 31 to 50 cases are necessary to perform shoulder arthroscopy safely, and over 500 cases to reach the specialist level. Participation as the lead surgeon and training on cadavers were rated as very important in specialist training. Evidence Level V; Expert Opinion.
