This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.
Decrease in acetabular fracture case volume for surgeons in early stages of their careers
Despite consistency in the number of pelvic fracture cases submitted each year, investigators of this study using data from Part II of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons examination found early career surgeons had a significant decrease in acetabular fracture case volume.
Researchers used case log data from all surgeons taking Part II of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons examination from 2003 to 2015 to evaluate potential shifts in the volume of complex trauma cases, such as pelvis, acetabulum and periarticular fracture surgeries.
Investigators found 90,261 procedures were performed by 468 candidates for board certification. Researchers also discovered the number of candidates testing in trauma ranged from 15 to 65 per year during the study period. This figure increased significantly with time. The analysis also revealed the number of acetabulum fracture surgeries went from a mean of 10.1 cases to 5.2 cases in 2003 and 2015, respectively. While there was no significant change in the number of pelvic fracture surgeries, investigators found a trend toward fewer surgeries for periarticular fractures.
“Although pelvic ring and periarticular fracture case volume have remained stable, early career surgeons have experienced a significant decrease in acetabular fracture case volume. The implications of this decreased surgical experience warrant careful consideration as the orthopedic trauma workforce evolves,” the researchers wrote. – by Dan O’Neill and Gina Brockenbrough, MA
Disclosures: Gire reports no relevant financial disclosures. Please see the full study for a list of all other authors’ relevant financial disclosures.