Variability Within Orthopedic and Plastic Surgery Hand Training in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia

Background: Hand surgery is a challenging subspecialty shared by orthopedics and plastic surgery. Variations in training exposure and methods within residency programs, both globally and in Saudi Arabia, affect the clinical expertise of hand surgeons. This study aims to assess the variability in hand surgery training between orthopedic and plastic surgery residents in the western region of Saudi Arabia. Objectives: To evaluate differences in training exposure, satisfaction, and procedural experience in hand surgery training among orthopedic and plastic surgery residents. Design: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using an anonymized, validated questionnaire. Setting: Residency training programs in the western region of Saudi Arabia. Patients and Methods: Participants included 62 residents: 43 from orthopedic surgery and 19 from plastic surgery training programs. Data on demographics, training satisfaction, procedural exposure, and learning resources were collected. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26, with significance set at p < 0.05. Main Outcome Measures: Differences in training satisfaction, procedural exposure, and teaching methods. Sample Size: Sixty-two residents participated, including 43 orthopedic and 19 plastic surgery residents. Results: Plastic surgery residents were significantly more satisfied with their training (56.9% vs. 7%, p < 0.05). They reported greater exposure to procedures such as wound reconstruction, nerve injuries, and soft tissue tumors (36.8% vs. 7%, p < 0.05). Orthopedic residents were more exposed to wrist salvage and arthroscopy procedures (7% vs. 0%, p < 0.05). Formal teaching was more common among plastic surgery residents (89.5% vs. 60.5%, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Disparities in training highlight the need for a unified hand surgery curriculum. Enhanced exposure for orthopedic residents and structured teaching opportunities may bridge the gap. Limitations: The reliance on self-reported data and the study’s cross-sectional design restricts causal inferences.