The broad umbrella of orthopedics includes a number of specialties, and orthopedic surgeons have become more specialized over the past 14 years. Here are 21 statistics on how specialized orthopedic surgeons have become over the years, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.
2000
• Generalists: 32 percent
• Generalists with specialty interests: 37 percent
• Specialists: 31 percent
2002
• Generalists: 30 percent
• Generalists with specialty interests: 35 percent
• Specialists: 35 percent
2004
• Generalists: 29 percent
• Generalists with specialty interests: 34 percent
• Specialists: 37 percent
2006
• Generalists: 28 percent
• Generalists with specialty interests: 33 percent
• Specialists: 39 percent
2008
• Generalists: 25 percent
• Generalists with specialty interests: 30 percent
• Specialists: 45 percent
2010
• Generalists: 23 percent
• Generalists with specialty interests: 31 percent
• Specialists: 46 percent
2012
• Generalists: 23 percent
• Generalists with specialty interests: 31 percent
• Specialists: 46 percent