AAOS adopts new clinical guidelines

At its meeting on June 19, 2009, the AAOS Board of Directors adopted new clinical guidelines on the treatment of pediatric diaphyseal femur fractures. The new guidelines are available on the AAOS Web site (www.aaos.org/guidelines). The guidelines were developed by a work group led by Mininder Kocher, MD, and Ernest Sink, MD. AAOS Guideline Oversight chairs William C. Watters III, MD, and Michael Keith, MD, congratulate their efforts.

A statement on comparative effectiveness research from the ABOS

The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) appreciates the opportunity to comment on the value of comparative effectiveness research. Founded in 1934, the ABOS provides a two-step process for initial certification of candidate orthopaedic surgeons and is responsible for the recertification process in orthopaedic surgery, hand surgery, and sports medicine subspecialties.

From the meniscus to Mozart

Jennie McKee

Joan Krajca-Radcliffe, MD, sets her orthopaedic career to music Repairing a torn meniscus in the operating room comes just as naturally to Joan Krajca-Radcliffe, MD, as bowing and plucking a violin during a symphony concert. She finds many parallels between performing surgery and playing the works of composers such as Mozart, Bach, and Corelli. “A musician must constantly assess rhythms, key changes, and timing,” she notes.

Surgeon on the street

How has the economic slowdown affected your practice? News reports recently have been filled with stories of how the economic slowdown is affecting small businesses across the country. During a recent Arthroscopic Association of North America Masters Course on the wrist and elbow, held at the Orthopaedic Learning Center in Rosemont, Ill., on June 13–14, 2009, AAOS Now asked several surgeons about the impact of the recession on their practices. Here’s what they said:

Reflections on our profession

Augusto Sarmiento, MD

By Augusto Sarmiento, MD Six challenges that impact the future of orthopaedics Groucho Marx once said, “Making predictions is a dangerous business, particularly if the predictions are about the future.” Ignoring the wisdom of his message, I venture to discuss what I consider challenges confronting our profession that may have a major impact on its future. Medical litigation Tort reform is serious, frustrating, challenging, difficult, and complex.

In Memoriam

J. Hamilton Allan, MD May 30, 2009 Stevenson, Md. LTC Russell A. Davidson, MD May 12, 2009 Evans, Ga. Ronald E. Hodges, MD May 21, 2009 Danville, Va. Maurice E. Müller, MD May 21, 2009 Bern, Switzerland

Let the good times roll!

The AAOS is preparing to return to New Orleans for the 2010 Annual Meeting. New Orleans is ready to welcome the Academy for the seventh time (1976, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2003), but are you ready to “laissez les bon temps rouler”? As you explore New Orleans, keep in mind the following fun facts about the Crescent City, so-called because it sits on a curve in the Mississippi River.

Summer small talk has big returns

Frank B. Kelly, MD

By Frank B. Kelly, MD Patient chats present educational opportunities Like most of you, I welcome summer. I enjoy the longer, warmer days and more frequent get-togethers with friends and family. But in the summer I also notice something else: when my patients come into the office, our chit-chat has a bit more depth. Instead of the miserable winter weather, the stressful holidays, or other socially scripted small talk, my patients and I share adventures from the weekend.

Pat on the back. . .

Officers and directors (2009–2010) of the Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA): Richard K.N. Ryu, MD, president; Felix H. Savoie III, MD, first vice president; Richard L. Angelo, MD, second vice president; John C. Richmond, MD, secretary; Robert E. Hunter, MD, treasurer; Jack M. Bert, MD, immediate past president; David A. McGuire, MD, past president; and directors William R. Beach, MD; Robert T. Burks, MD; Peter R. Kurzweil, MD; Frank A. Pettrone, MD; Scott E.