5-Minute Summary: Evaluating the Baseline Risk Factors and Post-operative Outcomes of Patients Internally Referred to a Subspecialist Surgeon for Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Pilot Study

Orthopaedic surgeons who perform primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) may often refer more complex patients to specialty-trained arthroplasty surgeons for definitive treatment. While this practice is often appropriate for optimal patient care, these internal referrals may represent a population that is associated with higher baseline risk and worse outcomes. This study aims to identify the risk factors and outcomes associated with primary TKA patients who are referred to subspecialists.