There are 10 states in the U.S. that currently have fewer than three orthopedic surgeons for every 100,000 residents, and those shortages are only expected to increase over the coming years.
Orthopedic surgeons are projected to be in very short supply by 2025, with a deficit of about 5,050 surgeons nationwide. While the projected demand sits at 29,400, the supply will only be about 24,350.
Additionally, the demand for total joint replacement procedures is on the rise in the U.S., with planned orthopedic procedures increasing 44% from 2010 to 2017 alone, according to data from BlueCross BlueShield.
Here are the nine states with fewer than three orthopedic surgeons for every 100,000 patients:
Idaho: 1.55
Illinois: 1.91
Georgia: 1.92
Washington: 2.06
South Carolina: 2.27
West Virginia: 2.82
Louisiana: 2.83
New Mexico: 2.84
Tennessee: 2.84