Riccardo D’Ambrosi M.D. , Andy Williams M.B., B.S., F.R.C.S. (Orth.). , Bertrand Sonnery-Cottet M.D., Ph.D. , Christian Fink M.D.
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Abstract
Purpose
To determine the benefits of completing a knee fellowship for orthopaedic surgeons specializing in the treatment of sports injuries.
Methods
An online survey was conducted to assess changes in clinical practice, and scientific activity in knee surgery, with special focus on the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) before and after a knee fellowship.
Results
A total of 74 of 102 (72.54%) fellows completed the survey. The mean age of the respondents was 36.85 ± 5.0 years (range 28-47 years). Sixty-nine (93.24%) were male, and 5 were female (6.75%). Before the fellowship, only 6 (8.10%) surgeons had performed more than 50 ACL surgeries yearly as the first operator, whereas more than 60% (46) had performed fewer than 10 ACL surgeries; after the fellowship, more than 50% (41) of the surgeons performed more than 50 ACL surgeries yearly as the first operator (P < .001). Before the fellowship, 57 (77.02%) surgeons did not perform anterolateral procedures or performed in less than 20% of their cases, whereas after the fellowship, almost 40% (31) performed anterolateral procedures in most of their cases (P < .001). A significant increase was also noted in the number of publications developed during the fellowship and conference presentations given between the period before and after the fellowship (P < .001). More than 90% (70%-94.59%) answered that they would do the fellowship again.
Conclusions
Knee fellowships in highly specialized centers improve surgical activity in terms of surgical procedures and scientific production; furthermore, almost all the fellows reported that they would pursue such a fellowship again.
Clinical Relevance
The results of this study may provide fellowship directors with important feedback about the strengths and weaknesses of the experience from participants.