Over the last five years, orthopedic physician compensation has ebbed and flowed, according to reports from Medscape.

Autonomy is an important part of what it means to be a surgeon. 

Orthopedic surgeons remain the highest-paid physician specialists in 2024, with an average annual salary of $558,000, according to Medscape's 2024 "Physician Compensation Report," published April 12. 

Here are five athletes that have undergone or plan to undergo surgery that Becker's has reported on since April 5:  

Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists have become a hot topic in healthcare as questions remain on how it will affect the industry as a whole.

Dilhan Abeyewardene, MD, joined Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

Osso VR launched Apple Vision Pro apps for carpal tunnel release and total knee replacement, the company said April 11.

Peter Millett, MD, is set to perform shoulder surgery on Jack Hughes, a player for the New Jersey Devils, on April 10 in Vail, Colo.

Tim Kremchek, MD, is set to perform elbow surgery on Tejay Antone, a pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds, on April 12.

Becker's reported on eight spine and orthopedic devices earning approvals and clearances from the FDA in the first quarter of 2024.

Boston Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story will travel to Los Angeles to undergo a season-ending shoulder surgery performed by Neal ElAttrache, MD, according to an April 9 report from Newsweek.

From Ascension to Cedars-Sinai, four health systems have acquired new orthopedic and spine groups so far in 2024: 

Monmouth Medical Center earned the Joint Commission's Disease Specific Certification for Total Hip, Knee and Spine, West Orange, N.J.-based RJW Barnabas said in an April 8 news release. 

Former Philadelphia Eagles team captain Chris Maragos is still trying to collect a $43.5 million verdict he won against an orthopedic surgeon over a career-ending injury, Sports Illustrated reported April 8.

Onkos Surgical earned the FDA's De Novo approval for its antibacterial-coated orthopedic implants, the medtech company said April 8.

Orthopedic surgeons make an average of $565,450 in Minnesota, the highest earning state, compared to the average household income of $109,737.

Avant-Garde Health has recognized 30 top hospitals for orthopedic research and 16 top hospitals for spine research in 2024, with seven facilities topping both lists. 

Cleveland Guardians right-hand pitcher Shane Bieber is expected to have ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction, Yahoo Sports reported April 7.

An Idaho orthopedic surgeon was arrested after footage from a hidden camera at his medical office was found, The Spokesman-Review reported April 7.

Of 2024's eight spine and orthopedic billionaires, half of them earned their wealth through medtech giant Stryker.