Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery: The Spanish Model

➢ The Spanish National Health System delivers equitable, high-quality musculoskeletal care through a nationwide network that connects community-based primary care with tertiary trauma and orthopaedic referral centers.➢ The highly competitive and standardized residency program in trauma and orthopaedic surgery in Spain ensures uniform training quality, the possibility for subspecialization, and well-grounded clinical and surgical competency across all regions.➢ Orthopaedic research in Spain has expanded considerably. It is supported by national and regional networks, an increasing participation in multicenter international trials and cross-border collaboration, and a growing academic output of global relevance.➢ The integration of women in Spanish orthopaedics has been increasing, such that the proportion of female orthopaedic residents in Spain was well above that of many other countries in 2022.➢ Spain combines a broadly extended hospital network with a dynamic academic ecosystem, positioning the country as a leading European hub for trauma and orthopaedic innovation, research, and education.