Duke Orthopaedics Division of Adult Reconstruction has built a reputation as one of the most influential forces in orthopaedic surgery, setting standards for excellence in hip and knee arthroplasty worldwide. This distinction is reflected in the impressive leadership roles held by its faculty across the top professional societies in the field. The American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS), widely regarded as the leading organization for arthroplasty specialists, has been led twice by faculty members, Dr. William Jiranek and Dr. Michael P. Bolognesi, both of whom served as President. Their contributions complement those of Drs. Sean Ryan, Thorsten M. Seyler, and Samuel Wellman, who actively shape AAHKS initiatives through committee service and membership.
Recognition extends beyond borders. The Hip Society, one of the most exclusive organizations in orthopaedic surgery, includes Wellman, Seyler, Bolognesi, and Jiranek among its distinguished fellows, with Jiranek having served as Past President. The division also honors the legacy of Dr. Paul Lachiewicz, a beloved colleague and Past President of The Hip Society, whose influence continues to resonate throughout the field. International recognition has increased with Seyler and Bolognesi’s recent induction into both the International Hip Society and the International Knee Society, joining Jiranek as long-standing members of IHS. The Knee Society also acknowledges the expertise of these leaders, highlighting Duke’s authority in complex knee reconstruction.
The division’s authority in complex knee reconstruction is further underscored by its presence in The Knee Society, an invitational organization reserved for surgeons and scientists who have made exceptional contributions to advancing surgical knowledge of the knee. Wellman’s membership in The Knee Society reflects his leadership and scholarly impact on arthritic disorders and knee joint health, reinforcing Duke’s stature as a global force in arthroplasty.
Duke’s influence is equally essential in infection management, a crucial aspect of joint replacement surgery. Seyler served as Past President of the Musculoskeletal Infection Society (MSIS), supported by faculty colleagues Jiranek and Duke Infectious Disease experts, Drs. Edward Hendershot, Jessica Seidelman, and Erin Gettler, who help improve best practices in preventing and treating surgical infections. This breadth of leadership across hip, knee, and infection societies reflects an achievement few institutions can match, underscoring Duke’s national impact in orthopaedic innovation and care.
Reflecting on this legacy, Bolognesi, chief of the Division of Adult Reconstruction, shared, “Our faculty’s leadership across these societies reflects more than individual achievement—it represents Duke’s collective commitment to advancing the science and practice of adult reconstruction worldwide. We’re proud to help set the standards that improve patient outcomes globally.”
This extraordinary concentration of influence and expertise validates Duke’s enduring mission: to combine clinical excellence, innovative research, and thought leadership to shape global standards of care for patients undergoing hip and knee replacement.