Premium
Use of the Cumulative Summation Technique to Quantitatively Assess a Surgical Learning Curve: Canine Total Hip Replacement
Author(s) -
Hayes Graham M.,
Ramirez Juan,
Langley Hobbs Sorrel J.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
veterinary surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.652
H-Index - 79
eISSN - 1532-950X
pISSN - 0161-3499
DOI - 10.1111/j.1532-950x.2010.00752.x
Subject(s) - cusum , medicine , chart , learning curve , surgery , statistics , computer science , mathematics , operating system
Objective: To quantitatively assess a surgical “learning curve” using the cumulative summation (CUSUM) score technique. Study Design: Application of a CUSUM technique to a consecutive series of surgical cases. Animals: Consecutive primary cemented total hip replacement (THR; n=116) in 106 dogs. Methods: Records of all dogs that had primary canine THR were reviewed. Data retrieved included date of surgery, postoperative complications, and duration of follow‐up. The 12‐week outcome was analyzed graphically and with a CUSUM technique. Results: One hundred and one (87%) procedures were “successful” and 15 (13%) developed major complications within 12 weeks (failures). The CUSUM chart clearly demonstrated an initial “learning curve” of ∼44 THR. Conclusion: The CUSUM technique can be used to demonstrate the learning curve for canine THR surgery.