Choosing a fellowship-trained orthopedic joint reconstruction surgeon matters more than most people realize—especially when you’re trusting someone to rebuild a hip or knee that affects every step you take. Fellowship-trained surgeons spend an extra year focusing only on joint reconstruction after completing their standard orthopedic residency.
During this time, they perform a high volume of hip and knee replacements, learn the newest techniques, and handle complex cases that general surgeons may see only occasionally. In addition, most general orthopedic surgeons require years of practice to account for the volume that fellowship trained surgeons acquire in one year. Most fellowships allow surgeons to complete over 700 cases in one year. A general orthopedic surgeon performs 50-150 joint replacements in one year. For patients, that means your surgeon has already navigated thousands of complex situations before ever stepping into the operating room with you.
This advanced experience often leads to more precise surgery, fewer complications, smoother recoveries, and implants that last longer. It also means your surgeon can better explain whether you actually need surgery, what type of implant fits your lifestyle, and how to tailor recovery to your goals. Consider fellowship training as a part of your selection process for your joint replacement surgery.
Dr. Zain Sayeed, Fellowship-Trained Orthopedic Surgeon at DHR Health
