The distribution of shoulder replacement among surgeons and hospitals is significantly different than that of hip or knee replacement

• Published in: Journal of shoulder and elbow surgery Vol. 12; no. 2; pp. 164 - 169
• Main Authors: Hasan, Samer S., Leith, Jordan M., Smith, Kevin L., Matsen, Frederick A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Mosby, Inc 01.03.2003; Elsevier
• Subjects: Arthroplasty, Replacement - statistics & numerical data; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip - statistics & numerical data; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee - statistics & numerical data; Biological and medical sciences; Databases, Factual; Decision Making; Hospitals - statistics & numerical data; Humans; Medical sciences; New York; Orthopedic surgery; Orthopedics - statistics & numerical data; Shoulder Joint - surgery; Surgery (general aspects). Transplantations, organ and tissue grafts. Graft diseases; New York; Human; Professional experience; Prosthesis; Surgery; Shoulder; Diseases of the osteoarticular system; Frequency; Upper limb; Operation; Public health; Surgeon; Comparative study
• DOI: 10.1067/mse.2003.23
• ISSN: 1058-2746

Practice is the repetition of an action to improve its quality. The value of the practice effect is recognized in sports, music, and surgery. The number of times a surgical procedure is performed may have a bearing on how well it is done. We investigated the relative frequency with which hip, knee, and shoulder replacements are performed by individual surgeons. The 1998 database of the Center for Medical Consumers in New York State revealed that over 40% of hip or knee replacement surgeons performed 10 or more replacements. In contrast, only 10 shoulder replacement surgeons (3%) performed 10 or more such procedures; 75% performed only one or two. The distribution of shoulder replacement among surgeons was statistically different than for hip or knee replacement (P <.0001). These findings suggest the need for robust educational programs to minimize the potential adverse effects of low surgeon volume for the patients undergoing these procedures. (J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2003;12:164-9)