“On call” debate continues

In the March 2008 AAOS Now, Thomas K. Miller, MD, called for an “alteration in reimbursement” for those physicians and facilities unable or unwilling to provide emergency care. I can understand his frustration with what he deems are inappropriate referrals. After taking call for 25 years in community hospitals, however, I know that reimbursement is the major reason that my colleagues are now reluctant to take on these very cases. Lowering reimbursement will only make the situation worse.

New AMA Impairment Guidelines add five axioms

The American Medical Association’s (AMA) Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, 6th Edition, is now available.

What do you know about the PE guidelines?

Bronwyn Barrera; Lewis Jenkins

Sign up now for a free Webinar on June 3 With the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) preparing to eliminate payments to hospitals for additional costs in treating patients who acquire certain conditions—including pulmonary embolism (PE)—and many insurers ready to follow suit, orthopaedic surgeons need to understand and follow evidence-based guidelines to help prevent this complication of surgery.

Do you know someone who deserves recognition?

The Diversity Award recognizes Academy fellows who have distinguished themselves through their outstanding commitment to making orthopaedics more representative of and accessible to the diverse population it serves. The Humanitarian Award recognizes Academy fellows who have distinguished themselves through outstanding humanitarian activities in musculoskeletal health in the United States or abroad.

Industry News

Stryker launches partial knee resurfacing system Stryker Orthopaedics (Mahwah, N.J.) has announced the addition of Triathlon PKR, a partial knee resurfacing system, to the Triathlon Knee System family. The new product uses Stryker’s X3 advanced bearing technology, which the company claims has demonstrated up to a 96 percent decrease in wear in laboratory testing compared to competitive premium bearing surfaces in total knee replacements.

The 40s: Tragedy of war spurs orthopaedic advances

Carolyn Rogers

WWII shapes orthopaedic history This month’s look back at orthopaedic history focuses on the advances made during the 1940s—a time when war spurred new treatments. Events in this timeline are taken from the Digital Timeline—a feature of the 75th Anniversary Project that takes you on an interactive adventure through more than 1,500 events in the history of orthopaedics. To explore the timeline in its entirety, visit www.aaos.org/75years

Am I leading yet?

Is leadership inherited or learned (inspired)? Are leaders born or raised? Do leaders know that they are leading? Although the definition of leadership is elusive, I think the potential for leadership can be recognized, even in young people, and particularly in young orthopaedic surgeons.

The power of a positive role model

Jennie McKee

Mentors help women succeed in orthopaedics Mentors are powerful forces in the lives of orthopaedic surgeons. Whether they are part of an organized mentoring program or not, mentors make a difference. They are key to attracting female physicians and those of different racial and ethnic backgrounds to orthopaedics, as the following stories illustrate.

Call for abstracts: 2009 Annual Meeting

Share your research and insights with orthopaedic surgeons from around the world. AAOS members, residents, and other orthopaedic professionals are invited to submit abstracts for the 76th AAOS Annual Meeting, to be held in Las Vegas, Feb. 25-28, 2009.

Tornadoes blast Tennessee orthopaedists

Jennie McKee

Twisters result in multiple musculoskeletal injuries On the evening of Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008, an estimated 80 tornadoes tore through parts of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, and Tennessee. During this worst tornado outbreak in the United States in 20 years, violent winds uprooted trees, flattened buildings, upended cars, and killed or injured at least 55 people. One of the hardest hit cities—Jackson, Tenn.—is home to West Tennessee Bone & Joint Clinic.

Bring the 75th Anniversary celebration to your town

Nicholas DiNubile, MD

Traveling exhibit, media releases tell story of orthopaedics If you attended the 75th Annual Meeting in San Francisco, I hope you took the time to view Moving Stories: The Exhibit. If you were unable to attend, however, you can bring the exhibit to your clinic, hospital, university, or state or specialty society meetings at no charge. Moving Stories: The Exhibit is a beautiful, modular display chronicling the last 75 years of orthopaedic history.

BOC elects new officers

At its meeting on Wednesday, the AAOS Board of Councilors (BOC) selected new officers. Pictured (left to right) are Matthew S. Shapiro, MD, past-chair, John T. Gill, MD, chair; Thomas C. Barber, MD, chair-elect; and Richard J. Barry, MD, secretary.

IN MEMORIAM

Jerome George Bashara, MD April 4, 2008 West Des Moines, Iowa Edward H. Boseker, MD Jan. 27, 2008 Santa Ana, Calif. Kalman Stanley Eisenberg, MD Sept. 10, 2006 Beverly Hills, Calif. Bryan W. Fleming Jr, MD March 20, 2008 Woodbine, Md. Robert R. Giebink, MD Jan. 27, 2008 Sioux Falls, S.D. B. Clyde Halley Jr, MD March 27, 2008 Dallas Robert William Hunt, MD Oct. 26, 2007 Torrance, Calif. Robert J.