In the U.S., the number of joint-replacement procedures continues to rise. There are over a million joint replacements performed each year, and this figure is expected to exceed 4 million annually by 2030.[1]   Orthopedics is one of the largest and most profitable service lines in most hospitals, with total joint replacements accounting for a large revenue share. However, this moneymaker is moving from inpatient to outpatient. According to Sg2, in 2020, 32 percent of total joint replacements were performed as an outpatient, and this number is expected to rise to 51 percent by 2026 as joint surgeries continue to move to ASCs.[2]

Here are 10 physicians who perform total joint replacements at ASCs:

The total knee replacement industry is currently valued at $6.5 billion and is expected to reach $8 billion by 2026, Ireland-based industry analysis company Research and Markets said Sept. 21.

Orthopedic surgeon Jeb Williams, MD, became the first provider from his practice to perform a robotic-assisted knee procedure at North Mississippi Ambulatory Surgery Center, the Daily Journal reported Sept. 16.

Joseph Barker, MD, a surgeon at Raleigh (N.C.) Orthopaedic Clinic, became the first surgeon in the state to use a new balloon technology for rotator cuff surgery, the clinic said Sept. 17.

Physicians Joseph Liljenquist, MD, and Brigham Redd, MD, are opening an ASC on Sept. 24 in Idaho Falls, Idaho, the center announced Sept. 12.

Here are 10 physicians who perform total joint replacement surgeries at ASCs:

The Center for Advanced Ambulatory Surgery in Malta, N.Y., opened to patients Sept. 8.

Outpatient shoulder arthroplasty patients with a history of peptic ulcers, psychoses or valvular disease may be at higher risk for return to care within two postoperative days, according to a Sept. 5 Healio article.

Martin Coleman, MD, performed Newport News-based Coastal Virginia Surgery Center's first outpatient reverse shoulder replacement.

The global market for computer-assisted orthopedic surgery will grow at a steady rate of 5.5 percent over the next decade, according to a survey by market research firm Fact.MR.

Dr. Mark Leber at the Gateway Surgery Center in Phoenix performed left wrist surgery on 30-year-old Oakland Athletics outfielder Stephen Piscotty Aug. 27, according to MLB.com. 

The first procedure using the new Conformis Identity Imprint knee replacement system was completed this week at the Stratham (N.H.) Ambulatory Surgical Center.

From physician milestones to new services being added at ASCs, here are six recent updates on total joint replacements to know:

Here are 10 total joint ASC physicians to know:

TriStar Greenview Regional Hospital in Bowling Green, Ky., recently completed its 100th outpatient total joint replacement procedure, the Bowling Green Daily News reported Aug. 11.

Bertrand Kaper, MD, recently completed his 1,000th total knee replacement using Smith+Nephew's CORI surgical system.

In the face of an increasingly complex global pandemic and constantly evolving healthcare cost structures, one thing has become abundantly clear for orthopedic surgeons in the United States: total joint replacement procedures can be performed effectively in the Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC), and in some cases, it may even be a better setting for them.

The base salary for orthopedic surgeons dropped 13 percent in the past year, according to the Merritt Hawkins 2021 Review of Physician and Advanced Practitioner Recruiting Incentives, released Aug. 9.

About 1 million total joint replacements are performed in the U.S. each year, and that number is expected to more than double by 2030.