AAOS Board approves new EMR position statement

Howard Mevis

“Access to and correct usage of patient Electronic Health Records (EHRs)/Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) provide major benefits to patients and physicians alike. When properly designed and utilized, EHRs can improve patient safety, increase clinical efficiency, reduce costs, allow seamless transfer of vital patient information, and allow physicians to better use their time and expertise treating patients.”

Redefining healthcare quality

The recently enacted healthcare reform legislation places significant emphasis on “quality.” More than 50 original provisions and amendments deal directly with quality. These range from the establishment of a “national quality strategy” to the development of quality and efficiency measures, the collection of quality data, and the implementation of programs that foster the delivery of quality care. John J.

AAOS/TSOT program a success, despite ash cloud

Maureen Leahy; Kim Stafford

Collaborative program promotes shared learning In April, the second international education program between the AAOS and the Turkish Society of Orthopaedics and Traumatology (TSOT) took place in Antalya, Turkey. Despite the volcanic eruption of Eyjafjallajökull in Iceland, which severely hampered European air travel, the meeting drew 1,100 attendees, including 750 orthopaedic surgeons. Directed by Andrew N.

Fellows elect 2011 Nominating Committee

Richard N. Peterson, JD

The members of the 2011 AAOS Nominating Committee have been identified. As a result of the recent election, six members have been named to the 2011 Nominating Committee; the chair was appointed by the AAOS Board of Directors at its meeting in June. The 2011 Nominating Committee members are as follows: James H. Beaty, MD (Tenn.), Chair Louis U. Bigliani, MD (N.Y.) Freddie H. Fu, MD (Pa.) Joseph P. Iannotti, MD, PhD (Ohio) Frank B. Kelly, MD (Ga.) Felix (Buddy) H. Savoie III, MD (La.

In Memoriam

James E. Averett Jr., MD Atlanta, Ga. John M. Hunter, MD May 20, 2010 Calgary, Alberta, Canada Meade Justin Luby, MD March 13, 2000 Beaufort, S.C. Elie J. Sarkis, MD Oct. 15, 2009 Garden City, N.Y. Joseph F. Slade III, MD May 21, 2010 Guilford, Conn. James T. Williams, MD Feb. 4, 2009 New Orleans

Industry news

Medtronic launches new bone cement Medtronic, Inc., recently launched a new type of bone cement in the United States for use in the treatment of patients with vertebral compression fractures who are undergoing Kyphon balloon kyphoplasty. Kyphon ActivOs 10 Bone Cement contains hydroxyapatite, which is chemically and structurally similar to the mineral component of bone.

Reader wants to keep pain pumps “hot”

I want to thank Dr. Canale for his insightful commentary in AAOS Now regarding chondrolysis (June 2010). I agree that we must dive deeper into this area of bupivacaine toxicity. I have had patients in whom chondrolysis developed, and I have testified in pain pump litigation. This is a real issue that needs to be pushed to the forefront of clinical practice.

“Orange Book” celebrates 40 years of success

Jennie McKee

Academy’s pioneering textbook still leads the way in EMS education When the AAOS published the very first text for emergency medical services (EMS) personnel in 1971, the book quickly set the standard for EMS education across the United States.

Revisiting Haiti

Returning AAOS members set the stage for the future Eight months ago, a massive earthquake practically demolished the capital of the island nation of Haiti. The death toll exceeded 250,000, more than 1.5 million were left homeless, and hundreds of thousands of people sustained devastating injuries, many of them musculoskeletal.

The need for vintage speed

Jennie McKee

Nicholas Colyvas, MD, travels the world racing vintage cars For as long as he can remember, Nicholas Colyvas, MD, has had a passion for cars. “As a child, I was always building model cars, talking about cars, or working on one of my parent’s cars,” he says. It’s no surprise that when he’s not seeing patients at his busy orthopaedic practice or performing surgery, he is often surrounded by roaring engines and screeching tires as he hurtles down the racetrack.

What’s your workers’ comp IQ?

J. Mark Melhorn, MD

A decade ago, I outlined the need for additional education and training for orthopaedic surgeons in the area of workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation makes up 20 percent of the general orthopaedist’s practice, 65 percent of a hand surgeon’s practice, and 90 percent of the independent medical examiner’s practice.

Make patient education a priority

Michael F. Schafer, MD

Free materials from AAOS can help An essential role of orthopaedic surgeons is to educate patients. As a recent study in The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found, information available to patients on the Internet is highly variable, so it’s our job to help them separate fact from fiction. But since the time we have with patients in the office is limited, arming them with accurate, unbiased information before they arrive in the exam room is a benefit.

Pat on the back...

Andrew W. Gurman, MD, re-elected as vice speaker to the American Medical Association (AMA) Board of Trustees for 2010–2011. Stuart L. Weinstein, MD, elected to serve on the International Coordinating Committee of the Bone and Joint Decade. Kimberly J. Templeton, MD, chosen president-elect of U.S. Bone and Joint Decade; she will succeed Joshua J. Jacobs, MD, current president. Keith L.