Readers respond to treatment guidelines, Medicare strategy

CTS CLINICAL GUIDELINES I generally welcome the clinical guidelines the Academy publishes (AAOS Now, July 2007), but wish to take exception to the recommendation, in the Clinical Guideline on Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), regarding electrodiagnostic tests: Recommendation 3.1c The physician should obtain electrodiagnostic tests if clinical and/or provocative tests are positive and surgical management is being considered.

Courses give you a “three-for-one” opportunity

Get a sneak preview of the site of the AAOS 2009 Annual Meeting, enjoy a registration discount, and increase your knowledge on expert witness and occupational orthopaedic issues when you sign up for both the “Expert Witness: Tips and Insights” and the “9th Annual Occupational Orthopaedics and Workers’ Compensation Course: A Multidisciplinary Perspective” courses. The courses will be held on successive days in Las Vegas, site of the 2009 Annual Meeting.

Kentucky doc returns to winemaking roots

Carolyn Rogers

Many orthopaedic surgeons like to unwind with a nice glass of wine at the end of a busy week. Stephen P. Makk, MD, MBA—a Louisville, Ky.-based orthopaedist—is no exception. Rather than pick up a bottle at the local wine shop, however, Dr. Makk simply heads to his vineyard, taps one of his Hungarian oak barrels, and decants the fruits of his own labor. Winemaking roots Eleven years ago, Dr.

A pat on the back to ...

New officers and board members of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS): Steven D.K. Ross, MD, president; Robert B. Anderson, MD, president-elect; Charles L. Saltzman, MD, vice-president; Judith F. Baumhauer, MD, secretary; Brian G. Donley, MD, and Terrence M. Philbin, DO, members-at-large. The winners of the J.

In Memoriam

Rocco Anthony Calandruccio, MD AAOS past president and total joint replacement pioneer was committed to his patients, his family, and the field of orthopaedics Rocco Anthony Calandruccio, MD, of Germantown, Tenn., known by many as “Dr. Cal,” passed away on July 28, 2007. Dr. Calandruccio’s long and distinguished career in orthopaedic surgery included serving as AAOS president in 1977. Born on February 27, 1923, in White Plains, N.Y., Dr.

FDA approves Cormet Hip Resurfacing System

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in July approved the Cormet Hip Resurfasing System. As a result, Stryker Corporation has announced that it will begin marketing the system as early as the third quarter of this year. Stryker’s Orthopaedics division previously secured an exclusive 10-year agreement to market and distribute the Cormet Hip Resurfacing System in the United States. Corin is the first manufacturer to receive FDA approval based on a U.S.

AAOS advocacy…for our patients and our members

James H. Beaty, MD

The Council on Advocacy, the Orthopaedic Political Action Committee (PAC), and the AAOS Office of Government Relations in Washington, D.C., are three of the forces for advocacy within the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Through their activities, AAOS fellows have the opportunity to influence policies—not only at the AAOS, but also in state legislatures and even in Congress. In fact, finally both the House and the Senate each have an orthopaedic surgeon member (Sen. John A.

AOFAS project offers challenges, builds memories

Judy Datz

AOFAS conducts 6th Overseas Outreach Project to Vietnam Touring European castles, cruising through Alaskan waters, climbing the Rockies, and kayaking scenic rivers are all wonderful opportunities. But for beautiful scenery, exotic architecture, unusual foods, and the chance to step out of your comfort zone—both clinically and personally—nothing beats the annual Overseas Outreach Project to Vietnam, sponsored by the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS).

Wanted: Volunteers for Cuban mission

For the past five years, William B. Stetson, MD, a member of the AAOS International Committee and a sports medicine specialist, has traveled to Cuba to conduct education seminars and perform surgical demonstrations for local physicians. His mission is to build bridges with the Cuban orthopaedic community through a mutual love of orthopaedic surgery and arthroscopy. Dr. Stetson is planning a visit in 2008 and is seeking volunteers to join the team.

Hot topics top summer safety reports

Nicholas DiNubile, MD

Academy serves as authoritative source for orthopaedic information As children return to school, the media’s fascination with roller shoes continues to roll along. An article on the financial Web site, “The Motley Fool,” reported that stock prices for the company that manufactures the roller shoes recently took a tumble. The article attributes at least some of the slump to a June study conducted by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the safety guidelines issued by the AAOS.

2008 Nominating Committee elected

Richard N. Peterson, JD

Under AAOS Bylaws, the Nomina-ting Committee is composed of an appointed chair and six elected members. Traditionally, the position of chair has been held by the third past president. Recently, the AAOS fellowship voted for the six elected committee members. Members of the 2008 Nominating Committee are: Robert W. Bucholz, MD, Chair; James R. Andrews, MD; Daniel J. Berry, MD; S. Terry Canale, MD; Lawrence D. Dorr, MD; Russell F. Warren, MD; and Kristy L. Weber, MD. William J.

Orthopaedic News

United Healthcare to require accreditation for imaging Effective March 1, 2008, United Healthcare will require freestanding facilities and physician offices that use a CMS 1500 claim form and are performing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and other “more sophisticated” imaging services to obtain accreditation in order to receive reimbursement for those services. So far, United Healthcare is not going to require accreditation for radiographs.

Improve your skills and knowledge with AAOS products

The AAOS is committed to becoming the most authoritative source of musculoskeletal knowledge. When you order products from AAOS, you can be assured that the information is unbiased, current, and relevant to your practice. Check out these new offerings! Preorder OKU 9 and save! For a limited time, Academy members and residents can pre-order Orthopaedic Knowledge Update (OKU) 9 for the low OKU 8 price. OKU 9 will be released in December 2007.

Be part of a 24-hour makeover

Addy Kujawa

AAOS playground builds transform parks On Tuesday, March 4, 2008 (the day before the 75th Anniversary Annual Meeting kicks off), join the AAOS in San Francisco’s Balboa Park and be part of a true makeover that rivals any renovation you might see on a reality TV show.