Latest Research in Orthopedic Surgery

Articles directly from PubMed, organized by subspecialty, with options to browse the newest studies or those gaining traction in the field. Designed for quick review and clinical relevance.

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Arthroplasty

Impact of robotic total hip and knee arthroplasty on resident and fellow training in orthopedic surgery.

Arthroplasty Review
Journal of robotic surgery
2025 Aug 08
Khan Shujaa T, Jevnikar Benjamin E, Emara Ahmed K, et al.

Abstract:

Robotic-assisted total joint arthroplasty (RA-TJA) has experienced rapid growth in adoption and is reshaping orthopedic surgical practice. Despite offering potential for improved precision, reproducibility, and intraoperative feedback, its integration into orthopedic training has raised questions about educational equity and quality, manual skill development, and trainee autonomy. This review examines the educational implications of RA-TJA on orthopedic residency and fellowship training. The goal is to synthesize existing literature on RA-TJA impact on technical skill acquisition, surgical exposure, operative autonomy, and cognitive engagement, with attention to global disparities and the role of simulation in modern training models. A narrative literature review was conducted, focusing on empirical studies, trainee surveys, and expert opinion related to robotic systems in arthroplasty education. Specific attention was given to competency-based medical education (CBME) frameworks, intraoperative performance metrics, simulation-based learning, and institutional variability. Robotic systems facilitate early technical proficiency by offering structured intraoperative workflows and objective metrics, aligning well with CBME. These platforms enhance resident involvement in preoperative planning and spatial understanding but may inadvertently reduce manual versatility and intraoperative decision-making without complementary training in conventional techniques. Trainee autonomy varies significantly by institution, and access to RA-TJA during post-graduate medical education remains inconsistent. Simulation technologies, particularly virtual reality, represent scalable solutions to bridge training gaps but require standardized integration, assessment models, and certification pathways. RA-TJA presents both opportunities and challenges for orthopedic education. Its successful implementation requires deliberate curricular design, hybrid exposure to both robotic and manual techniques, and equitable access to simulation-based resources. Moving forward, training standardization, integration of performance-based progression metrics, and global cooperation will be essential to preparing orthopedic surgeons for the evolving digital surgical landscape.

PMID: 40781202 Read Full Paper

The evolution of research in orthopedic robotic surgery: global trends and future directions.

Arthroplasty Research Article
Journal of robotic surgery
2025 Jul 28
Anyaipoma Ore Sarai Liz, Amancay Montes Danitza Natalye, Visconti-Lopez Fabriccio J

Abstract:

Robotic surgery enhances precision in orthopedic and trauma procedures like joint replacements and bone corrections using navigation, artificial intelligence, and preoperative planning. This study aims to describe the global scientific output on robotic surgery in orthopedics and traumatology indexed on the Web of Science database. A bibliometric analysis was conducted to assess productivity, impact, and scientific collaboration. A total of 793 articles related to robotic surgery in orthopedics and traumatology were identified across 65 journals. The highest number of publications occurred in 2024 (155 articles), with an annual growth rate of 21.85% and an average of 24.38 citations per article. Fares Sami Haddad was the most prolific author (28 publications), while also leading in total citations (6089). The United States was the most productive country (279 articles). The most productive journals included The Journal of Arthroplasty and Knee Surgery Sports Traumatology Arthroscopy, whereas journals with the greatest citation impact were The Bone & Joint Journal and Spine. The most cited study was by Jacofski et al. (2016), with 290 citations. Leading institutions included the Hospital for Special Surgery and the University of Pittsburgh. The most common keywords over the years were "arthroplasty," "accuracy," "navigation," and "robotic surgery," reflecting evolving trends from biomechanical precision to imaging and trauma evaluation. These findings provide a comprehensive overview of research trends in orthopedic robotic surgery, identify gaps in the existing literature, and suggest future directions for research and clinical innovation in this evolving field.

PMID: 40720006 Read Full Paper

Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty Performed in 2022 to 2023 by Candidates for the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery Board Certification and Recertification: Fixation and Patient Age.

Arthroplasty Research Article
The Journal of arthroplasty
2025 Aug
Garvin Kevin L, Harrast John J, Nelson Charles L, et al.

Abstract:

Background: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is highly effective for arthritis patients. Uncemented fixation has become increasingly prevalent, while cemented fixation remains more common for older patients. This study aimed to (1) compare femoral fixation in patients aged ≤ 75 versus > 75 years, performed by surgeons seeking initial board certification or recertification through the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and (2) determine the probability of increased cemented femoral fixation in patients beyond the age of 75 years.
Methods: In 2022 and 2023, a total of 35,068 primary THA cases were submitted to the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery Case List system, with 20,075 cases from recertification candidates and 14,993 cases from initial certification candidates. The mean patient age was 66 years, with a women's representation of 54%. Statistical analyses were used Chi-square and t-tests with Bonferroni corrections.
Results: Significant differences in fixation techniques were observed between surgeon groups, with Part II candidates using more hybrid fixation (8 versus 3%) and less uncemented fixation (89 versus 93%) compared to the recertification group (all P < 0.001). This trend was evident in older patient age groups (> 75 years). In addition, the difference in fixation techniques between patients aged ≤ 75 years and those > 75 years was statistically significant (all P < 0.001). The proportion of older patients (> 75 years) receiving cemented/hybrid fixation increased progressively with advancing age, 21% in > 75 years, 30% in those > 80 years, and 41% in those > 85 years.
Conclusions: There were significant differences in THA fixation based on patient age. In addition, significant differences existed between Part II and recertification candidates in their use of hybrid and uncemented fixation for older patients. As patient age exceeded 75 years, the likelihood of cemented/hybrid fixation increased; however, even in patients over 85 years, its use remained less than 50%.
PMID: 40633989 Read Full Paper

XR (extended reality: virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality) technology applications in orthopedic field.

Arthroplasty Research Article
Medicine
2025 Jul 04
Luo Fang, Hu Yunxiang, Liu Sanmao, et al.

Abstract:

Objective: This study aimed to perform a bibliometric analysis to explore the current state and emerging trends of XR (extended reality: virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality) technology applications in orthopedics.
Method: Scholarly publications from January 1, 2000, to June 20, 2023, were retrieved from the Web of Science and analyzed using bibliometric tools such as VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and R.
Results: A total of 551 publications from 234 journals, authored by 2624 researchers across 1613 institutions in 53 countries/regions, were included. The United States led in publication volume (128, 23.79%), with Johns Hopkins University as the most productive institution (19, 3.53%). Edstrom, Erik was the most prolific author (15, 2.79%), and the International Journal of Computer Assisted Radiology and Surgery had the highest publication count (36, 6.69%). Frequently used keywords included "augmented reality," "surgical navigation," and "navigation," while research hotspots focused on topics like "total knee arthroplasty," "mixed reality," and "osteoarthritis."
Conclusion: This study offers a comprehensive overview of research trends and advancements in XR technology applications within orthopedics, highlighting collaborative efforts among authors, institutions, and countries, and providing insights for future research directions.
PMID: 40629646 Read Full Paper

The metaverse in orthopaedics: Virtual, augmented and mixed reality for advancing surgical training, arthroscopy, arthroplasty and rehabilitation.

Arthroplasty Review
Knee surgery, sports traumatology, arthroscopy : official journal of the ESSKA
2025 Aug
Kayaalp Mahmut Enes, Konstantinou Efstathios, Karaismailoglu Bedri, et al.

Abstract:

Purpose: The metaverse and extended reality (XR), which includes augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR), are transforming orthopaedic surgery by enhancing training, procedural accuracy and rehabilitation. However, a literature review of these new virtual tools is lacking. The purpose of this narrative review is to summarise available evidence about the metaverse and discuss current and future clinical applications.
Methods: A narrative review of the current literature was performed for studies evaluating XR tools and their respective clinical and educational utility. Studies from all orthopaedic subspecialties were eligible for inclusion. The XR tools evaluated in each study were categorised according to the reality spectrum and future research or clinical applications were discussed.
Results: XR is a technological spectrum that includes AR, VR and MR to create immersive and interactive surgical training environments. VR-based simulators may improve surgical education by allowing trainees to refine their skills in a risk-free setting. AR may enhance intraoperative guidance and has been studied within orthopaedics to improve implant positioning accuracy and reduce complications in procedures including arthroscopy and total joint arthroplasty. In rehabilitation, AR and VR have been implemented to facilitate patient engagement and adherence, promoting functional recovery through gamified therapy and remote telerehabilitation.
Conclusions: There has been a paradigm shift in orthopaedic care in which digital tools are integrated with patient care to optimise patient outcomes. However, challenges to the widespread implementation of promising XR technology include high costs, steep learning curves and limited clinical validation. Ethical concerns, including data security and patient privacy, further complicate its use in clinical settings. Future research must focus on cost-effectiveness, standardisation and improving accessibility to ensure seamless integration into clinical practice.
Level Of Evidence: Level V.
PMID: 40622017 Read Full Paper

Gender Differences in Medical Student Interest in Arthroplasty.

Arthroplasty Research Article
The Iowa orthopaedic journal
2025
Davey Annabelle P, Tamburini Lisa M, Messina James C, et al.

Abstract:

Background: The majority of orthopaedic residents match into fellowship in the subspecialty they are most interested in at the start of residency, however there is a lack of understanding of medical student interest in orthopaedic subspecialties. Our objective was to determine interest in arthroplasty among medical students interested in orthopaedic surgery, and to identify factors contributing to student interest and disinterest..
Methods: An anonymous online survey was developed and distributed to medical students interested in orthopaedic surgery at 23 United States allopathic and osteopathic medical schools through their school administrators. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and a Fisher's exact test was used for categorical variables.
Results: 183 medical students (56% female) completed the survey for an estimated 29% response rate. Significantly fewer female medical students were interested in adult reconstruction compared to their male counterparts (10% versus 29%, p = 0.004). The most commonly identified factors contributing to interest by female students were interest in the subject matter (100%) and patient population (70%), while male students most commonly identified clinical experience (74%) and presence of a mentor (63%). Significantly fewer female medical students received the suggestion to pursue arthroplasty compared to males (0% versus 11%, p = 0.002).
Conclusion: Female medical students are significantly less interested in arthroplasty and receive significantly less encouragement to consider arthroplasty than their male counterparts. Factors influencing both interest and disinterest in orthopaedic subspecialties differ between male and female medical students.
PMID: 40606721 Read Full Paper

A Systematic Review Of Learning Curves in Orthopaedic Sports Surgery.

Arthroplasty Review
The Iowa orthopaedic journal
2025
Shultz Christopher, Levine Nicole, Curtis William, et al.

Abstract:

Background: As surgeons enter practice or senior surgeons embark on new procedures, we must weigh the potential risks to our patients. Despite the concept of a "learning curve" gaining traction, there is limited guidance on the specific learning curves within orthopaedic sports medicine. The purpose of this article is to explore the ways in which learning curves are defined within orthopaedic sports medicine and report the number of cases required to overcome them.
Methods: Pubmed-MEDLINE, Scopus, and Embase databases were queried for "Learning Curves" pertaining to orthopaedic sports medicine procedures according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines. Abstracts were reviewed by two independent reviewers for inclusion and subdivided into categories including: Shoulder Arthroscopy and Reconstruction, Shoulder Arthroplasty, Hip Arthroscopy, Knee Arthroscopy and Reconstruction, and Knee Osteotomy.
Results: 4,558 articles were reviewed. 14 articles for shoulder arthroscopy and reconstructive procedures, 10 articles for shoulder arthroplasty, 17 articles for hip arthroscopy, 7 articles for knee arthroscopy and reconstructive procedures, and 2 articles for knee osteotomy were ultimately included. The net defined learning curve for each respective surgical sub-category was 22 for shoulder arthroscopy and reconstruction, 28 for shoulder arthroplasty, 71 for hip arthroscopy, 28 for knee arthroscopy and reconstruction, and 32 for knee osteotomy.
Conclusion: Surgeons should consider the synthesis of the described learning curves for shoulder, hip, and knee surgery when incorporating these procedures into their practice.
PMID: 40606710 Read Full Paper

Correlation of Fellowship Training With Clinical Outcomes following Total Knee Arthroplasty: Complications, Readmissions, and Implant Survival.

Arthroplasty Research Article
Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Global research & reviews
2025 Jul 01
Ajjawi Ismail, Zhu Justin, Grauer Jonathan N

Abstract:

Introduction: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a common procedure for advanced knee osteoarthritis. Although TKA outcomes have improved, variability remains, influenced by factors like patient comorbidities, age, and sex. One potential contributor to outcome variability is the surgeon's fellowship training. This study examines the relationship between orthopaedic fellowship types and clinical outcomes following TKA, focusing on complications, readmissions, and implant survival.
Methods: This retrospective cohort study used the PearlDiver Database (2010 to 2022) to identify TKA patients. Surgeons were classified based on fellowship training in arthroplasty, trauma, or nonarthroplasty/nontrauma specialties. Exclusion criteria included patients younger than 50, with concurrent trauma, neoplasms, infections, or lacking 90 days of follow-up. Ninety-day adverse events, including any, serious, and minor complications, and readmissions, were assessed. Multivariable analyses controlled for age, sex, and comorbidities. Five-year implant survival was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier analysis and compared with a log-rank test.
Results: A total of 1,180,690 TKA patients were analyzed. Procedures were performed by arthroplasty-trained surgeons (66,654 [5.7%]), trauma-trained surgeons (3,857 [0.3%]), and nonarthroplasty/nontrauma surgeons (1,110,179 [94.0%]). Surgeries by arthroplasty-trained surgeons had markedly lower rates of any (odds ratio [OR]: 0.77 ), serious (OR 0.74), and minor (OR 0.81) adverse events compared with nonarthroplasty/nontrauma surgeons (P < 0.001). Five-year implant survival was lower in the trauma cohort (94.83%) compared with the arthroplasty (96.71%) and nonarthroplasty/nontrauma cohorts (96.82%; P < 0.001).
Discussion: Fellowship training in arthroplasty was associated with lower complication rates, suggesting that surgeon specialization and/or associated care algorithms may be relevant variables. Further investigation is needed to optimize patient outcomes and validate these findings.
PMID: 40591573 Read Full Paper

Use of Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Measures in Orthopaedic Specialties: Results of a Scoping Review for 2018 to 2022.

Arthroplasty Review
The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
2025 Jun 01
Cella Maia S, Baumhauer Judith F, Rothrock Nan E, et al.

Abstract:

The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) is a collection of patient-reported outcome measures assessing physical, mental, and social health that are relevant across a variety of conditions. The use of PROMIS measures in capturing important symptoms and functions has increased over time, yet detail on more recent use of PROMIS measures in orthopaedics and its specialties has been lacking. The goal of this scoping review is to characterize and quantify the use of PROMIS measures in orthopaedic populations across published studies from 2018 through 2022 to inform opportunities for expansion of PROMIS across orthopaedics in research and clinical practice. We identified 699 published studies with 1,835 PROMIS measures. Publications were distributed across orthopaedic subspecialties, including 27% (185 studies) in spine patient populations, 21% (143 studies) in hand/shoulder/elbow, 11% (80 studies) in arthroplasty, 9% (65 studies) in foot/ankle, and 9% (65 studies) in sports medicine. The most commonly used PROMIS measures across all orthopaedic publications assessed physical function (63%), pain interference (55%), and depression (30%). We observed an overall increase in orthopaedic publications using and reporting on PROMIS measures. PROMIS measures are efficient, and precise tools and their use is expected to continue to increase across medical and surgical specialties.

PMID: 40179367 Read Full Paper

Treatment of Femoral Neck Fracture Depends on Surgeon Subspecialty Training.

Arthroplasty Research Article
The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
2025 May 15
Kingery Matthew T, Lezak Bradley A, Lin Charles C, et al.

Abstract:

Background: Femoral neck fractures pose a notable health challenge globally, with a projected rise in cases due to aging populations. While treatment protocols are established, the effect of surgeon training on treatment decisions, particularly trauma versus arthroplasty fellowship training, remains less clear.
Methods: This study, using data from the Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System in New York State, examined 26,761 patients meeting inclusion criteria. Among 951 treating surgeons, 20.6% had no subspecialty fellowship training while 4.6% had training in multiple subspecialties, with arthroplasty (232 surgeons, 24.4%), sports (230 surgeons, 24.2%), and trauma (93 surgeons, 9.8%) being the most common.
Results: Analysis revealed notable differences in surgical treatments based on subspecialty, with trauma surgeons favoring fixation and arthroplasty surgeons favoring total hip arthroplasty (THA). Even after adjusting for covariates, patients treated by arthroplasty-trained surgeons were more likely to receive THA. In addition, there was consistency between trauma and arthroplasty surgeons in treating lower functional demand patients with hemiarthroplasty. While trauma surgeons performed more fixations and arthroplasty surgeons more THAs, baseline characteristics and perioperative outcomes between fixation and THA patients were similar, indicating comparable baseline health despite treatment differences. Multivariable logistic regression confirmed that treatment by an arthroplasty surgeon markedly increased the odds of receiving THA.
Conclusion: This study underscores the complexity added by surgeon subspecialty in femoral neck fracture management and emphasizes the importance of recognizing how surgeon-specific factors influence treatment decisions. Understanding these nuances can inform training optimization and promote collaborative approaches within the orthopaedic community, ultimately contributing to enhanced patient outcomes as femoral neck fracture management evolves.
PMID: 40127151 Read Full Paper