Arthroscopy and orthopedic residency: a cross-sectional study of training structure in a resource-constrained environment.

Introduction: orthopedic residency training was established in the West African sub-region a few decades ago, but sub-specialty in arthroscopy has only become established in the last decade. This study was aimed at evaluating available arthroscopy training resources and their impact on skill acquisition by orthopedic residents.

Methods: this was a cross-sectional study involving the use of a structured online survey of consultant orthopedic surgeons and orthopedic resident doctors. Details relating to the structure of training and challenges with training and recommendations for improved training were enquired.

Results: one hundred and two responses were received. There were 95% males (73) and 5% (4) females among the residents and 92% (23) males and 8% (2) females among the responding consultants. Of the residents, 47% (36) were registrars while 53% (41) were senior registrars. Seventy-six percent (77) were residents and twenty-five (24%) were consultants. Didactic lectures were the most impactful available training adjunct. Only 3% (2) of the residents had access to dry laboratory sessions with no specified number of practice hours attached. There was no computer simulation laboratory or cadaveric laboratory training facility for arthroscopy training in any of the training centres. Ninety-two percent (23) of the responding consultants would prefer a 6-12-month rotation in arthroscopy for residents. Fifty-three percent (41) of the residents had regular opportunities to participate in arthroscopic surgeries.

Conclusion: orthopedic residency in arthroscopy in Nigeria is emerging and can be improved upon by increasing the available training resources and trained personnel.