The Board of Specialty Societies (BOS), originally created in 1984 as the Council of Orthopaedic Musculoskeletal Specialty Societies, brings together the leaders of musculoskeletal societies to address issues of mutual concern, such as advocacy, continuing medical education, research, and residency and fellowship issues.

The BOS serves as a resource and advisory entity to the Board of Directors of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons. In addition, the BOS promotes unity and collaboration between the specialty societies and the AAOS.