From weight loss medications to frayed partnerships, these are the 10 most-read orthopedic stories that Becker's covered in 2024:
Ozempic's impact on joint replacements
Two studies presented at the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeon's 2024 conference examined the impact that the drug semaglutide, which is sold as Ozempic to treat Type 2 diabetes and as Wegovy for weight loss, could have on patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty. The AAOS has warned that diabetes and obesity increase a person's risk of having a medical or surgical complication after joint replacement, such as wound-healing problems and infection. The two new studies found that patients who take semaglutide at the time of a total hip replacement experience similar postoperative outcomes to those who do not take the drug.
The world's wealthiest orthopedic surgeon
Forbes updated its annual list of the richest people in the world at the beginning of 2024, which featured 34 U.S. healthcare billionaires, including retired orthopedic and spinal surgeon Gary Michelson, MD. Dr. Michelson currently had a net worth of $1.8 billion, making him the 1,690th richest person in the world and the 18th richest U.S. healthcare billionaire, at the beginning of 2024. He is also the fifth-richest person in the U.S. with a medical degree. Dr. Michelson currently holds over 340 U.S. patents for orthopedic and spinal surgery instruments.
Health system lawsuits
Orthopedic surgeon Greg Hardin, MD, sued Mishawaka, Ind.-based Franciscan Alliance, alleging the health system directed patients away from his practice. Dr. Hardin, owner of Indianapolis-based Center for Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine, filed his lawsuit in Indiana Commercial Court in June, claiming breach of fiduciary duties, dereliction and waste, intentional interference, and breach of contract.
Pennsylvania orthopedic surgeon dies
Pennsylvania orthopedic surgeon Robert Armstrong, MD, died Dec. 7 at the Butler (Pa.) Memorial Hospital following a brief illness, according to a Dec. 10 obituary. He worked as a surgeon in Clarion, Pa., performing countless operations throughout his career.
Surgeon loses license
An Iowa orthopedic surgeon who was convicted of child abuse lost his license in March. Lynn Lindaman, MD, an orthopedist, was charged with two counts of second-degree sexual abuse in 2023.
Misconduct allegations
Two legal filings in less than one month alleged departmental misconduct and employee mistreatment by Nashville, Tenn.-based Vanderbilt University Medical Center orthopedic surgeon and executive Rick Wright, MD. Dr. Wright was named chief medical officer and senior vice president for clinical affairs in February 2023. Two former Vanderbilt orthopedic surgeons, Ginger Holt, MD, and Christopher Hoedt, MD, and Dr. Wright's former executive assistant, Lucille Mongogna, filed reports detailing alleged professional misconduct by Dr. Wright.
The 10 most common orthopedic procedures
Becker's found the average cost of the 10 most common orthopedic procedures.
Rothman Orthopaedic cuts ties
Philadelphia-based Rothman Orthopaedic broke ties with the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles over future malpractice risk. The practice had been a partner with the team since 2004.
Ozempic's pros for orthopedic surgeons
The popularity of GLP-1s could have positive effects on the orthopedic and spine industry. As patients continue to lose weight, barriers to surgery, such as high patient BMIs, could begin to fade away. Additionally, as patients weigh less, they may become more active and live longer.
A study presented at AAOS' 2023 annual meeting found orthopedic surgeons will need to either double their total joint arthroplasty caseload or the number of surgeons will need to increase by 10% every five years to meet the growing demand for surgery. Two surgeons told Becker's that GLP-1s could be good for musculoskeletal professionals, but patients should still proceed with caution amid reports of serious side effects
Missouri jury sided with orthopedic surgeon
A Missouri jury sided with St. Louis-based Orthopedic Specialists and orthopedic surgeon Kevin Rutz, MD, in a malpractice lawsuit brought by a former patient. Former patient William O'Connell alleged that Dr. Rutz failed to accurately diagnose and treat his condition, leading to a spinal cord injury that put him in a wheelchair. The 2017 lawsuit was brought after Mr. O'Connell underwent four surgical procedures over six months to address lower back, neck and shoulder pain, leg weakness when standing, and decreased balance.