The silent epidemic: CA-MRSA and HA-MRSA

Richard P. Evans, MD

Recommendations for prevention, identification, and treatment Orthopaedists continue to face the increasing problem of antimicrobial resistance in their practices and require the latest tools for preventing and treating infections. Hospitals and physicians must employ every known infection prevention measure. The statistics for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) speak for themselves. From 1999 through 2005, infections outside the lungs or blood tripled.

Enhancing the “E” in OREF

William P. Cooney III, MD

Education grants enable innovative approaches to learning Clinical and basic research has advanced the understanding of orthopaedic surgery principles and treatment applications. But applying those advancements clinically relies on educating orthopaedic surgeons, residents, fellows, and, indirectly, our patients. The Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation (OREF) recognizes the importance of funding both educational and research activities.

Research Awards: Call for Papers

The AAOS is soliciting manuscripts for the 2009 Kappa Delta Awards and the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation (OREF) Clinical Research Award: Up to three $20,000 Kappa Delta awards, one of which is designated for “Young Investigators,” and one $20,000 OREF award will be bestowed. Manuscripts should be original and written specifically for these awards.

New osteoporosis monograph available

An estimated 10 million people in the United States are living with osteoporosis. Although osteoporosis is responsible for most hip fractures and accounts for more than $18 billion in health care expenditures annually, on average only 20 percent of patients are ever screened or treated for the disease.

CORQAT welcomes residents on committees

By Christy M.P. Gilmour, Juleah Joseph, and Katherine Sale Opportunities for involvement open to PGY-3, PGY-4, and PGY-5 residents This summer, resident members will be able to apply for opportunities on some AAOS Committees.

AAOS/ORS sponsor imaging/CAS symposium

A decade ago, computer-assisted surgery (CAS) was in its infancy. Today, navigation systems, musculoskeletal imaging and tracking systems, and robotic testing systems are transforming orthopaedic surgery and resulting in improved outcomes for patients. Recognizing these advances, the AAOS and the Orthopaedic Research Society (ORS) will be sponsoring a symposium on “Advanced imaging and computer-assisted surgery of the knee and hip,” May 15–17, in Providence, R.I.

BMPs and cancer: Is the risk real?

Steven Gitelis, MD; Ross M. Wilkins, MD; Alan W. Yasko, MD

The FDA requires warnings, but the science isn’t definite Implant-related carcinogenesis has been a concern for orthopaedic surgeons for many years. Extensive work has been done with metals and metal alloys commonly used in orthopaedics, but no convincing evidence of a causal relationship has been found. Although isolated case reports of carcinogenesis have been reported, most surgeons feel confident using modern metallic and plastic implants.