Orthopaedic surgeons: as strong as an ox and almost twice as clever?

This years Christmas BMJ edition presents a multicentre prospective comparative
study which claims orthopaedic surgeons are not only stronger, but also smarter than anaesthetists! 

Abstract

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.

For the entire article by Subramanian et al. please visit:

http://www.bmj.com/content/343/bmj.d7506