The technical answer is that you are not allowed to be asked about your marital status or children (on ERAS or in the interview for those programs that use ERAS). That said, I wore my wedding ring to interviews and when it was noticed I was asked if I was married (and a couple times I was asked about kids-but I'm a woman so that might make a difference in their level of interest in that fact). I think it was a positive thing when I was interviewing at my husband's alma mater, and a nonissue elsewhere (once I let them know he was willing to move and his job was needed in their area). There are possibly advantages and disadvantages, but unless your wife or kids play an integral role in your desire to be an orthopod I don't think it should be in your application or personal statement. If they are a reason you want to go to a program (her family nearby, she is about to be transferred there for a job, etc.) you can mention it to them, otherwise I would just see if they bring it up.
If you were told it was a terrible disadvantage to have a wife or children, would you lie when asked? Or tell them they aren't allowed to ask that?
