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Over the past 5 years, published literature regarding treatment of pediatric limb deformity and limb length discrepancy demonstrates much interest in better understanding, categorizing and treating these challenging problems. Many studies explore expanding and refining indications for traditional treatment methods like guided growth techniques. Other studies have evaluated the results of new techniques such as lengthening via mechanized intramedullary nails. Additionally, series comparing older and newer techniques such as lengthening with external devices versus mechanized nails are becoming increasingly available.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had widespread impact across medical educational sectors, including cancellations and delays of board exams, interruptions in clinical rotations and electives, altered processes for away rotations, and conversion to virtual interviews. These changes, combined with applicant and program uncertainty, may affect the 2021 residency application cycle for competitive fields such as orthopaedic surgery. In consideration of spine trainees and the spine fellow application pipeline, the current study aims to evaluate for deviations in trends found in applications to an orthopaedic surgery residency program from the 2021 cycle compared to six years prior.