Title of article :
The Use of Eponyms for Surgical Approaches and Fractures in Elbow Surgery: Accuracy and Reliability Pre- and Post-Training
Author/Authors :
Viveen, Jetske Upper Limb Unit - Department of Orthopedic Surgery - The Netherlands , Somford, Matthijs P. Department of Orthopedic Surgery - The Netherlands , Koenraadt, Koen L.M. Foundation for Orthopedic Research - The Netherlands , van den Bekerom, Michel P. J. Department of Orthopedic Surgery - The Netherlands , Eygendaal, Denise Department of Orthopedic Surgery - The Netherlands , Schipper, Inger B. Department of Surgery and Traumatology - The Netherlands , Doornberg, Job N. Department of Orthopedic Surgery - Flinders Medical Centre - Australia
Abstract :
The use of eponymous terms in orthopedic trauma surgery is common. In an assessment pre-training versus posttraining
at an AO Advanced Elbow Trauma Course, we aimed to report on (1) the accuracy and (2) reliability of 10
common eponymous terms used for surgical approaches and fractures in elbow surgery. Before training, eponyms
were described correctly in 38% of questions versus 47% after training. The percentage of correct answers only
improved significantly in one question (P<0.005). A generalized kappa of 0.37 before training versus 0.31 after
training represents an overall fair reliability of the eponymous terms. In conclusion, the accuracy and reliability
of eponymous terms used in elbow surgery is disappointing. Moreover, this type of standardized training format
does not seem to improve the knowledge of eponymous terms of experienced trauma- and orthopedic surgeons.
Therefore, we suggest considering descriptive terms or standardized fracture classifications instead of eponymous
terms.
Level of evidence: II
Keywords
Keywords :
Accuracy , Elbow , Eponyms , Fracture , Reliability , Surgical approach , Teaching
Journal title :
The Archives of Bone and Joint Surgery
