Arthroscopy training in France: A resident perception and self-assessment

Background: Arthroscopic surgery is a steadily expanding component of orthopaedic practice that changes continuously as new techniques and indications develop. The many arthroscopy training activities offered to residents include fellowships, practice on cadaver specimens and simulators, and teaching in the operating room. Current practices for arthroscopy training of orthopaedic residents in France have not yet been evaluated. The objectives of this study were to describe current arthroscopy training practices and to assess the perceptions and expectations of residents and junior physicians in France, in order to contribute to the development of a new training strategy for residents.

Hypothesis: Residents and junior physicians perceive gaps in their arthroscopy training.

Methods: Between November 2018 and February 2019, the Junior French Arthroscopy Society (Société Francophone d'Arthroscopie Junior, SFAJ) conducted a descriptive epidemiological survey of 918 residents, clinical fellows, and junior physicians in orthopaedic surgery departments in France. The data were collected via an online questionnaire sent by e-mail. The questionnaire had items on demographics; perceptions of, and expectations about, arthroscopy skills training during the residency; and experience in performing arthroscopic procedures.

Results: Of the 918 residents, 106 responded to the questionnaire. Most respondents were near the end of their training: 26 (24.8%) were 4th-year residents, 23 (21.6%) were 5th-year residents, 15 (14.3%) were clinical fellows, and 13 (12.4%) were junior physicians. Among respondents, 42 (40%) had performed fewer than 5 simple arthroscopy procedures as the main operator and 73 (69.5%) felt they were not, or would not be, capable of performing arthroscopic procedures without supervision by the end of their residency.

Conclusion: The survey findings highlighted the challenges encountered by French orthopaedics residents in acquiring satisfactory arthroscopy skills during their residency. They also suggested avenues for improvement such as simulator training or the development of training on cadaver specimens.

Level of evidence: IV, descriptive survey.