Radiology resident competency in diagnosing non-traumatic musculoskeletal conditions: A simulation-based assessment using WIDI SIM

Abstract

Purpose

To evaluate radiology resident performance in diagnosing four non-traumatic musculoskeletal (MSK) pathologies that have historically yielded low scores on the Wisdom in Diagnostic Imaging Emergent/Critical Care Radiology Simulation (WIDI SIM).

Materials and Methods

This multi-institutional, retrospective study analyzed WIDI SIM data collected from 2015 to 2021. A total of 351 radiology residents (R1–R4) interpreted 65 de-identified imaging cases, four of which focused on septic arthritis/osteomyelitis of the shoulder, septic arthritis/osteomyelitis of the hip, acetabular neoplasm, and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. Each case was scored using a standardized 10-point rubric (0–2 = critical error, 3–6 = problematic omissions, 7–10 = effective report). Scores were further categorized into observational (missed findings) and interpretive (incorrect conclusion despite correct identification) errors. The Kruskal-Wallis test with Dunn's multiple comparisons was used to assess performance differences across postgraduate years.

Results

Among these four MSK pathologies, only hip osteomyelitis demonstrated a statistically significant difference across training levels (p = 0.0063), although no specific pairwise comparisons were significant. Average scores remained relatively low across all cases, with observational errors surpassing interpretive errors in frequency.

Conclusion

Radiology residents struggled to accurately diagnose non-traumatic MSK pathologies in a simulated on-call setting, predominantly due to missed imaging findings. Implementation of enhanced training strategies, such as targeted case review, high-yield simulations, and systematic visual search protocols, may improve MSK diagnostic competency and reduce the risk of clinically significant oversights.