It depends on the program. For example, at the Cleveland Clinic, all of the resdents are REQUIRED to do a 6th year in research. At CWRU all six residents are admitted under the same NRMP number and they kind of hash it out among themselves to pick the two who do the lab year. Others like the University of Pittsburg have separate NRMP listings, or offer a research position outside of the match (Louisville does this).

Certainly these positions are more desirable to some and less desirable to others; I've been given the impression that volunteering to do a research year is not an easy way in to orthopaedics.

There's no one good blanket answer; contact the individual program.

Good luck.

Some offer the one year of research later on during training. Ohio State has either implemented or will implement a required year of research for 1 of the 4 people who match. I think their research will be either before or after their 3rd year. Some people like this time better because it will enable you do have more time for research if you are interested in fellowship training closer to the time that applications to the fellowships are due.

Definitely not an easier way to get into orthopaedics. These seperate research tracks may in fact be tougher.