ObjectiveTo compare the effect of problem-based learning (PBL) and traditional teaching method (lecture-based learning) on clinical practical teaching of orthopedic surgery. MethodsBetween May 2012 and December 2013, 55 orthopedic interns were chosen to be divided into two groups: PBL group (n=29) and traditional lecture group (control group, n=26). Case report and examination on a completion of orthopedic surgery were used to assess the teaching outcomes. ResultsPerformance differences in content of presentation and capability of answers to questions were significant between PBL group and the traditional group in the report test (P<0.05). The test scores of case analysis examination in PBL group were significantly higher than those in the traditional lecture group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in other types of questions (P>0.05). ConclusionThe participants in PBL group have performed significantly better in culturing clinical thinking and comprehensive analysis, competence and in no circumstance did they perform worse than traditional lecture method.