ohio

I would say the good program in Ohio is Ohio State. For one, it is probably one of the more well rounded programs you could find anywhere. The case load is very high, but without killing the residents with 2000 tibial nails at 3 AM. Research is readily available to those who want it, but it is not overdone with only a minimal requirement.
The residents have basically unlimited options when they finish. Over the past two years they ranged from going directly into sweet private practice jobs to some of the most prestigious national fellowships.
Dr. Bos has now been the chair for about a year and is really on top of things. He is extremely well connected nationally, as are many of the faculty. They have been hired some new faculty (generally a good sign) and working the program in the community. The residents generally spend their 3rd year at a private hospital in columbus where they basically bang out tons of your basic bread and butter ortho cases.
The weakness of the program would probably be the de-emphasis on spine (which many see as a positive). Compared to other places, there is a relatively heavy emphasis on tumor with Bos and Mayerson (3 months second year) which is an extremely busy service, but a great learning experience.
In addition to the operative experience, the residents have a really good life outside of the hospital. The program is very family friendly and the residents go out a lot together. There is a lot to do in Columbus, not to mention OSU football, NHL hockey, and a damn good bar scene.
This is a program i would certainly look at seriously.

Clearly the "good program" in Ohio is subjective. And rather than give you an obviously biased plug for one of them, I think that I can summarize the consensus from when I applied 2 years ago. I was a medical student in Ohio and ended up choosing to leave the state for residency. I talked to numerous faculty and other applicants along the way throughout the country and can at least summarize the programs' reputation as follows:
For Academic Programs:
1. Case Western
2a. Cleveland Clinic
2a. Cincinnati
3. Ohio State
4. Medical College of Ohio

For Community Programs:
1. Summa
2. Akron General
I know that there are more community programs, but they seemed less regarded as these two.

As has been said, there is no such thing as a bad orthopaedic residency, but it is important to decide what is most important to you and pursue it. In reference to the previous post, Ohio State is certainly a good program and sure to be "on the rise," but why not go to one that is "already there?"

couldn't agree more with rt about the subjective aspect of this process. the things that will make one program the "best" for one person are entirely different for the next. Along the same lines, you can get good training at most places, provided you are willing to work at it. The biggest key at making some place the "best" is finding the place that fits you as an individual and not going solely on the biases of others, although we will all be more than willing to share them with you. good luck

??? Academically Case & Cleveland Clinic are tops. No one else compares. This is both local and national reps.

Agree with Community Ranks. They're both very good from what I've heard.