Evidence-based research supporting the volume-outcomes relationship in orthopedic surgery
Extensive peer-reviewed medical research consistently demonstrates that orthopedic surgeons performing higher volumes of joint replacement procedures achieve significantly better patient outcomes. This volume-outcomes relationship has been validated across multiple large-scale studies and registries.
Study: "Effects of Hospital and Surgeon Volume on Patient Outcomes After Total Joint Arthroplasty: Reported From the American Joint Replacement Registry"
Database: World's largest joint replacement registry with 4+ million procedures from 1,250+ institutions
Key Findings:
Organization: Coalition of major employers and health purchasers representing millions of Americans
Volume Standards: Minimum 50 procedures annually for hospital joint replacement programs, 25 procedures for individual surgeons
Evidence Base:
Study: "Association between hospital and surgeon procedure volume and the outcomes of total knee replacement"
Database: Medicare claims data analysis of procedure volumes and outcomes
Key Findings:
Study: "The role of surgeon volume on patient outcome in total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review of the literature"
Methodology: Comprehensive review of multiple studies examining volume-outcomes relationship
Key Findings:
Different studies have used varying definitions for "high-volume" surgeons, but there is remarkable consistency around the 50+ procedures annually threshold for significant outcome improvements.
While volume-outcomes research provides strong evidence for surgeon selection, it should be considered alongside other factors including:
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Surgeons performing 200+ procedures annually
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Medical research data last updated: 9/17/2025
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