The AAOS provides evidence-based programs for current orthopaedic diagnostic, treatment, and postoperative procedures. Find Clinical Practice Guidelines, Appropriate Use Criteria, Performance Measures, and other derivative materials, along with published articles on the programs below.
Additionally, all AAOS Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG), Appropriate Use Criteria, as well as CPG impactful statements and plain language summaries can be accessed through AAOS' OrthoGuidelines app, an online resource that provides up-to-date treatment guidelines to orthopaedic surgeons and professionals. This free mobile app is available via desktop browsers or as a native app from iOS or Google Play.
Upper Extremity Quality Programs
Guidelines listed below are:
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Clavicle Fractures
- DIstal Radius Fractures
- Glenohumeral Joint Osteoarthritis
- Rotator Cuff Injuries
Lower Extremity Quality Programs
Guidelines listed below are:
- Acute Isolated Meniscal Pathology
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries
- Hip Fractures in Older Adults
- Osteochondritis Dissecans
- Osteoarthritis of the Hip
- Osteoarthritis of the Knee
- Surgical Management of Osteoarthritis of the Knee
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2024 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Acute Isolated Meniscal Pathology
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2022 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries
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2021 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Hip Fractures in Older Adults
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2023 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Osteochondritis Dissecans
Pediatric Quality Programs
Guidelines listed below are:
- Pediatric Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip
- Pediatric Diaphyseal Femur Fractures
- Pediatric Supracondylar Humerus Fractures
Infection Quality Programs
Guidelines listed below are:
- Prevention of Implant Infection in Patients Undergoing Dental Procedures
- Periprosthetic Joint Infections
- Surgical Site Infections
Trauma Quality Programs
Guidelines listed below are:
- Acute Compartment Syndrome
- Limb Salvage or Early Amputation
- Psychosocial Factors Influencing Trauma Recovery
- Pharmacologic, Physical, and Cognitive Pain Alleviation for Musculoskeletal Extremity/Pelvis Surgery
- Prevention of Surgical Site Infection After Major Extremity Trauma
External Quality Products Endorsed by AAOS
The AAOS recognizes and applauds the efforts of orthopaedic specialty societies in the development of Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs), and Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC). The combined efforts of orthopaedic societies ensure that a greater number of conditions and patient populations can be addressed, improving overall patient care. To broaden the reach of specialty society CPGs, and AUC, the AAOS reviews the content for potential endorsement. Upon endorsement, the AAOS logo is added to the document and the content is listed on both aaos.org and within OrthoGuidelines. To acquire AAOS endorsement, external CPGs, SRs, and AUC go through a two step process:
- Review: AAOS Staff performs an initial review of the guideline methodology, followed by a review by the AAOS Committee on Evidence Based Quality and Value.
- Approval: Upon receiving the recommendation to endorse from the reviewing bodies, the endorsement request is then approved by the AAOS Committee on Evidence Based Quality and Value, AAOS Council on Research and Quality, and AAOS Board of Directors.