Undergraduate orthopedic education: Is it adequate?

Background : Basic musculoskeletal knowledge is essential to the practice of medicine. The purpose of this study was to assess the adequacy of musculoskeletal knowledge of medical students. Materials and Methods : The validated basic competency examination in musculoskeletal medicine devised by Freidman and Bernstein was administered to final year medical students just prior to their final professional examination. Participants were also required to assess their confidence at making a musculoskeletal physical examination and diagnosis as well as comment on the adequacy of time in the curriculum devoted to Orthopedics. Results : The response rate was 83% (40/48). The average cognitive examination score was 48.3%. Two participants (5%) obtained a score of ≥ 73.1%, the recommended mean passing score. Seventeen students (42.5%) felt orthopedic clinical cases were the most difficult to perform a physical examination and diagnose. Thirteen students (32.5%) felt that the time devoted to orthopedics in the medical curriculum was inadequate. Conclusions : Ninety-five percent of the students failed to show basic musculoskeletal competency. A change in medical curriculum and teaching methods is required to address this problem.