Orthopaedic surgeons: as strong as an ox and almost twice as clever? Multicentre prospective comparative study

OBJECTIVE To compare the intelligence and grip strength of orthopaedic surgeons and anaesthetists. DESIGN Multicentre prospective comparative study. SETTING Three UK district general hospitals in 2011. PARTICIPANTS 36 male orthopaedic surgeons and 40 male anaesthetists at consultant or specialist registrar grade. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Intelligence test score and dominant hand grip strength. RESULTS Orthopaedic surgeons had a statistically significantly greater mean grip strength (47.25 (SD 6.95) kg) than anaesthetists (43.83 (7.57) kg). The mean intelligence test score of orthopaedic surgeons was also statistically significantly greater at 105.19 (10.85) compared with 98.38 (14.45) for anaesthetists. CONCLUSIONS Male orthopaedic surgeons have greater intelligence and grip strength than their male anaesthetic colleagues, who should find new ways to make fun of their orthopaedic friends.