The Impact of Arthroplasty-Fellowship Training in Total Joint Arthroplasty: Comparison of Perioperative Metrics Between Fellowship-Trained Surgeons and Non-Fellowship Trained Surgeons

Abstract Background We sought to identify differences between TJAs performed by Adult reconstruction fellowship-trained surgeons (FTs) than non-fellowship trained surgeons (NFTs). Methods A single-institution database was utilized to identify patients who underwent elective TJA between 2016-2019. Results 16,882 TJA were identified:9,111 THAs and 7,771 TKAs. Patients undergoing THA by FTs were older(63.11 years vs 61.84;p Conclusion For both THA and TKA, patients had significantly shorter surgical times, LOS, and required less opioids when their procedure was performed by FTs as compared to NTFs. Patients who had their TJA performed by a FTs achieved higher AMPAC scores and were discharged home more often than NFTs. In an era of value-based care, more attention should be paid to the patient outcomes and financial implications associated with arthroplasty-fellowship training. Level III Evidence Retrospective Cohort Study