A systematic review of the prevalence of burnout in orthopaedic surgeons
2025

Burnout in Orthopaedic Surgeons: A Systematic Review

Sample size: 8471 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Kayden Chahal, Matwala K

Primary Institution: Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, UK

Hypothesis

What is the prevalence of burnout among orthopaedic surgeons?

Conclusion

Nearly one in two orthopaedic surgeons are burnt out, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

Supporting Evidence

  • The mean burnout prevalence among 8,471 orthopaedic surgeons was found to be 48.9%.
  • Burnout rates varied widely between studies, ranging from 15% to 90.4%.
  • Common protective factors included mentorship, exercise, and family support.
  • Risk factors for burnout included substance abuse, financial stress, and on-call responsibilities.

Takeaway

Many orthopaedic surgeons feel very tired and stressed from their jobs, and we need to help them feel better.

Methodology

A scoping literature review was conducted, screening articles from two databases for studies on orthopaedic surgeons using validated scales.

Potential Biases

Some studies may have small sample sizes or lack multivariate analysis.

Limitations

There is a lack of data on the long-term impact of COVID-19 on burnout.

Participant Demographics

The review included orthopaedic surgeons from various regions including North America, Asia, Europe, and Oceania.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1308/rcsann.2024.0009

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication