In orthopedics, as in all surgical specialties, procedures are described in an operative report. This is an essential and mandatory part of the medical file (Article R.1112-2 of the French Public Health Code) and a fully codified medicolegal document comprising precise items determined by the Health Authority (HAS) and the ORTHORISQ risk management and accreditation organization.

Information on the rules for filling out operative reports could improve their level of conformity, especially if provided early in surgical training.

A prospective comparative study was conducted with 6 groups of junior or senior surgeons, in the public or private sector, who had or had not been given specific information on the criteria for filling out the operative report. A conformity score was designed, based on the HAS-ORTHORISQ criteria (SCHOCRO, out of 100 points) for comparison between groups.

Scores did not differ between junior and senior surgeons, whether informed or not. Private-sector surgeons had better scores than university hospital surgeons when not informed (p=0.016). The information improved conformity. The earlier residents were informed, the better their conformity.

Harmonization of operative reporting improves report quality and should be standard practice for all, and especially for residents as soon as they enter the foundation phase. The SCHOCRO score seemed well suited for assessing operative report quality, being simple and reproducible.

II; prospective study.