Today's early-career orthopedic trauma surgeons may be performing fewer complex trauma surgeries than in previous years, according to a study in the Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma. The researchers hypothesize that since there are more orthopedic trauma surgeons today, individual surgeons' case volumes have decreased over time.
The researchers identified 468 candidates sitting for Part II of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons examination with subspecialty certification in trauma. These surgeons had performed a total of 90,261 procedures in their careers. The researchers defined three procedures as "complex trauma surgeries": pelvis, acetabulum and periarticular fracture.
Here's what you need to know:
1. The number of candidates testing in the in the trauma subspecialty has significantly increased between 2003 and 2015, ranging from 15 to 65 candidates each year.
2. The candidates' case volumes were stable over time; however, there were changes in the types of procedures these early-career physicians had performed.
3. The number of acetabulum fracture surgeries significantly decreased over time. In 2003, candidates performed an average of 10.1 cases; in 2015, the average was 5.2.
4. The number of periarticular fracture surgeries did not significantly decrease over time; however, there was a trend toward fewer of these surgeries.
5. There was no significant change in the number of pelvic fracture surgeries.
The researchers conclude that this recent decrease in complex surgical experience for early career surgeons should be considered, given the impact it may hold on the orthopedic trauma field.