Local Trends in Total Joint Arthroplasty and Orthopaedic Surgeon Distribution in the United States

INTRODUCTION: Total joint arthroplasty (TJA) volume and the number of orthopaedic surgeons in the United States have increased in recent years, but local growth variation has not been studied. This study assesses recent changes in state-level distribution of orthopaedic surgeons in the United States and corresponding local trends in TJA volume. METHODS: Data from the National Inpatient Sample database (2000 to 2014) were reviewed. Urban versus rural setting and teaching versus nonteaching hospitals were identified among TJA procedures for comparison. Data from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (2002 to 2016) detailing orthopaedic surgeon practice location were evaluated, and linear regression analysis was used to correlate state population data with orthopaedic surgeon density. RESULTS: From 2000 to 2014, there was a 0.1% to 0.3% (P < 0.01) annual decrease in the proportion of TJA procedures conducted in rural hospitals. No notable change was observed in the proportion of TJA procedures conducted at urban teaching versus nonteaching hospitals. Linear regression analysis demonstrated that decreased state population was associated with higher orthopaedic surgeon density (adjusted R(2) = 0.114, P < 0.01). States with a higher percentage of population living in rural areas had a lower density of orthopaedic surgeons in the South region and a higher density of orthopaedic surgeons in the remainder of the county. CONCLUSIONS: Less populated, rural states have a higher density of orthopaedic surgeons than states with increased population and less rural areas. Although TJA volume has increased since 2000, the proportion of TJA procedures conducted at rural hospitals has decreased. No change was found in the proportion of TJA procedures conducted at urban teaching versus nonteaching hospitals. This may indicate that more patients living in rural areas are seeking TJA care in urban centers. Future studies are needed to confirm this and ensure that patients living in rural areas have appropriate access to TJA care.