The effective study of Miller pyramid demonstration applied in the teaching of shoulder physical examination for visiting orthopaedic surgeons

Objective To explore the effect of Miller pyramid demonstration in the teaching of shoulder physical examination for visiting orthopaedic surgeons and aim at finding a more effective teach-ing method in this area. Method 96 visiting surgeons in our department were chosen and divided even into two groups randomly from 2011 to 2013. Traditional teaching method was applied in group A, while Miller pyramid demonstration which combined theory with practice was used in group B. Basic knowledge, manipulative skill and clinical diagnosis were assessed in group A and group B respectively. Finally, the results were statistical analyzed using t-test with SPSS 19.0 software. Results In the basic professional knowledge test, the average score of Group B was better than Group A[(92.8±5.0) vs. (83.0±8.5)]; in terms of operational skills assessment, the average score of Group B was better than Group A [(94.0±4.1) vs. (79.3±3.9)]; in the clinical diagnosis of the application, the average score of Group B was better than Group A [(90.6±2.3) vs. (85.1±1.9)]. There were significant differences between the two groups (P<0.05). Conclusion Miller pyramid demonstration was more effective than traditional teaching method in the teaching of shoulder physical examination for visiting orthopaedic surgeons. Key words: Miller pyramid; Teaching in orthopaedics; Physical examination; Shoulder