One more reason for squeaky hips?

I am writing in response to the article “Squeaky hips make media, medical noise,” in the October 2008 AAOS Now. A very important explanation of squeaky hips and for that matter, premature wear in all total joints, which I have not seen addressed in any of the orthopaedic literature, is … the actual manufacturing of the implant. No matter how well engineered these devices are, the current manufacturing tolerances in the construction of these devices leave much to be desired.

In memoriam

George Alavanja, MD April 30, 2007 Chesterton, Ind. David Warwick Boxall, MD August 2008 Saint Paul, Minn. William M. Kamell, MD Oct. 16, 2008 Canandaigua, N.Y. Emil C. Orsini, MD Oct. 3, 2008 Willowdale, ON Myra A. Peters, MD Nov. 1, 2008 Tulsa, Okla.

A Pat on the Back to…

Bernard R. Bach Jr., MD, named one of “America’s Top Doctors for Women” by Women’s Health magazine. John J. Callaghan, MD, AAOS second-vice president, named the 2008 Alumnus of the Year by Loyola University, Chicago Stritch School of Medicine; this is the first time the award has been presented to an orthopaedic surgeon. R. Jay Cummings Jr., MD, and Michael S. Scharf, MD, named “Health Care Heroes” by the Jacksonville (Florida) Business Journal. R.

Call for Abstracts

AAOS 2010 Annual Meeting March 10-14, New Orleans Submit your research for the most important educational event of our profession. More than 10,000 orthopaedic surgeons will attend the AAOS 2010 Annual Meeting in New Orleans. Why not give your work and discoveries this breadth of exposure? No other meeting will draw feedback and discussion from such a wide circle of viewpoints.

AAOS Personal Physician Web sites—Better than ever

Jim Ogle

Whether you have a Web site or not, check out this member benefit Since 2000, AAOS fellows have had the opportunity to create their own personal physician Web sites, using templates that showcase and market their practices to patients and the public. More than 4,200 members have already taken advantage of this option, and almost 80,000 people visit the sites every month. The online membership directory, Find an Orthopaedist, automatically links to member Web sites created using the templates.

AAOS reaches out at Frankfurt Book Fair

Dallas Ann Tomlin

By Dallas Ann Tomlin AAOS educational products have a world-wide reputation, thanks in part to the Frankfurt Book Fair. Each October, AAOS staff conduct more than 30 meetings in two and a half days, negotiating international rights and distribution arrangements for AAOS print, journal, electronic media, and exam products. The AAOS has been represented in Frankfurt annually since 1995.

Sharing our wealth of knowledge

Annie Hayashi

International courses offer faculty a “worldly” experience In 1994, the Academy held just one educational program outside the United States. Fifteen years later, in 2009, the AAOS will coordinate nine educational programs across the globe, involving 60 or more faculty members. That global reach has helped add 4,522 international affiliate mem­bers to the Academy’s membership rolls and attract nearly 4,000 international visitors to the AAOS Annual Meeting each year.

Orthopaedics in the land of the thunder dragon

Elizabeth M. Watson, MD

In 20 years, Orthopaedics Overseas has transformed orthopaedics in Bhutan History was made this year in the Kingdom of Bhutan. The archaic though idyllic country, nestled in the heart of the Himalayas and governed for centuries by a succession of kings, held its first democratic election in March 2008. Just the simple concept of voting to choose the country’s leadership has brought a child-like excitement to the people.

A head start on trauma education

Peter Pollack

Each spring, faculty and residents gather for the Orthopaedic Trauma Association’s (OTA) Comprehensive Fracture Course for Residents. Invariably, among the residents are several from the Dominican Republic, thanks to the efforts of one surgeon. Since the 1980s, John W. Staeheli, MD, has worked to improve the training of orthopaedic trauma surgeons in developing nations—particularly the Dominican Republic.

AMA program provides prescribing data privacy

Do you know about the American Medical Association’s (AMA) Physician Data Restriction Program (PDRP)? The program, which is available to all physicians, whether you belong to the AMA or not, offers you the option of withholding your prescribing data from pharmaceutical sales representatives while still making it available for medical research purposes.

Making progress on achieving our goals

Tony Rankin, MD

Both candidates pledged to advocate on behalf of the American people, both pledged to unite the country and the Congress, and both reached out to diverse constituencies. The final result—the election of Barack Obama as the first African- American President—is indeed historic, and marks the tremendous progress our country has made in the nearly 45 years since Dr.

Express yourself in AAOS Now

Carolyn Rogers

Harness the power of the pen and make your voice heard Are you buzzing with excitement? Riled up about a recent report? Found a clever solution to a common problem? Whatever’s on your mind, AAOS Now wants to hear about it. “Setting AAOS Now Straight”—our Letters to the Editor column—is your forum. So blow off some steam. Question the accepted wisdom. Share a nugget of newfound knowledge. Get the last word.

Textbook brings surgical anatomy to life

Carolyn Rogers

Atlas has dazzling anatomic visuals Newly translated from the Spanish text, Manual y Atlas Fotográfico de Anatomía del Aparato Locomotor, the AAOS publication, Surgical Atlas of the Musculoskeletal System, offers readers a superb visual presentation of musculoskeletal anatomy.

Changing the culture of medical education

Jennie McKee

At Harvard Medical School, students learn basics in cross-cultural care “I’ve been asked whether cultural competence education is just the latest manifestation of political correctness,” says Augustus A. White III, MD, PhD, professor of orthopaedic surgery at Harvard Medical School (HMS). “I respond by pointing to the data on healthcare disparities.” Augustus A.

Focus your learning with new specialty OKUs

Just released, Orthopaedic Knowledge Update (OKU): Foot and Ankle 4 is your go-to source for the most recent discussions of the latest orthopaedic foot and ankle procedures, including emerging techniques. Developed by the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society and published by AAOS, OKU: Foot and Ankle 4 takes a fresh, focused look at new treatments and approaches for these complex structures.

Bright lights…big message

Frank B. Kelly, MD

Register now for media training workshops in Las Vegas Are you familiar with a “sound-bite” or “key message”? How about the word “bridging”? If not, I encourage you to read on. At the 2009 Annual Meeting, you will have an exciting opportunity to learn how to communicate effectively with television, radio, newspaper, magazine, and Internet reporters. With the explosion of the Web, news organizations are clamoring for good, interesting content. You can provide that content if you know how.

Look ahead to coding changes for 2009

It’s time to update your coding resources for 2009. The Academy’s completely updated coding product line will help you and your office stay ahead of changes, avoid denied or delayed claims and costly fines, and increase your reimbursements. Together, these products encompass many of code and cross-reference changes that will go into effect in 2009.