Orthopaedic practice expenses, which means costs of providing treatment for each episode of care for a patient, vary widely depending on the type of payment.
A tear in the meniscus, the crescent-shaped cushion in the knee joint where the thighbone and shinbone of the leg meet that helps the joint carry weight, glide, and turn, is a common knee injury in older persons whether or not they exhibit osteoarthritis symptoms.
Data from a recent study suggests that physicians do not view medical errors as one of the most important problems in health care today -- in spite of the fact that many reported errors in their own or a family member's medical care.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons along with coalition partners New Orleans City Park, Friends of City Park, and United Cerebral Palsy of Greater New Orleans, in conjunction with KaBOOM!, will build a one-of-a-kind safe, accessible playground at City Park as a public service and gift to the community.
To commemorate the contributions of orthopaedic surgeons during the Second World War, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons proudly presents Legacy of Heroes, a multimedia project that tells the courageous, inspiring, and sometimes heartbreaking stories of orthopaedic surgeons who served in Word War II.
Now is the time when everyone starts thinking about preparing the house and yard for the upcoming holiday season. Whether it is installing the storm windows, placing seasonal decorations, raking leaves, or trimming the tree, one of the first tools that homeowners reach for is a ladder.
Don't let the first heavy snowfall give you a pain in the back. "Warm up" your muscles before you start shoveling snow and use correct techniques to lift and move the snow.
To reduce the risk of children's injuries this Halloween, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons is urging parents to be aware of the potential safety hazards during the customary trick or treat excursions. Wearing light weight and bright costumes and staying clear of roadways, unlit areas, and busy intersections can help prevent child pedestrian injuries.
When that first snowfall hits, kids naturally race outside with their favorite snow gear, but all that enthusiasm could turn into a trip to the hospital emergency room. More than 67,843 injuries related to sledding and snow tubing were treated at hospital emergency rooms last year. The majority of injuries occur among youths under age 15.
An average of 6 million people in the United States per year experience bone fractures. Of these, about 300,000 are slow to heal or do not heal at all with traditional methods. For appropriate situations, there is another treatment option to consider -- the use of physical fields.
In July and August 2002, an on-line survey was conducted by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons among weight training and weightlifting men and women to gather information on knowledge about weightlifting/training techniques, instruction and safety issues.
Speaking at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) Orthopaedics Update 2002 Web conference the chairman of the Cleveland Clinic Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, "Adult stem cells have not only proven to be effective in bone healing today, they hold great promise for the future of orthopaedics -- especially in the areas of reconstructing all types of tissues, as well as improving the healing of diseased tissues."
According to a new Commonwealth Fund 2001 Health Care Quality Survey released this past April, 22% of individuals asked stated that they or a family member experienced a mistake in a doctor's office or hospital or were given the wrong medication or dose. About half (51%) of those who experienced an error reported it as serious.
A fracture can indicate more than a just a broken bone -- it may be a warning sign of an underlying diagnosis of osteoporosis. Associate professor of orthopaedic surgery and pediatrics at George Washington University School of Medicine and Children's National Medical Center, "Osteoporosis is a medical condition characterized by low bone density. Although bone density is not the only factor that determines bone strength, we know that individuals with low bone density are at high risk for fracture and refracture."
Approximately 75% of Americans will experience foot pain at some time in their lives. One of the causes of this pain can be flat feet -- a condition in which the foot doesn't have a normal arch. According to a study released today, few people know the type of arch they have, and even patients who require surgery for a flat foot usually don't know that their foot is flat.
Pedestrian injury is second only to cancer as the leading cause of death of children between the ages of five and nine years. According to a recently completed study, childhood pedestrian trauma can be greatly reduced with the help of environment and community interventions.
People infected with the human immunodeficiency virus often experience a wide array of musculoskeletal symptoms secondary to the HIV infection. Some studies, for example, have shown that approximately 70 percent of patients with HIV had bone, joint, or muscle involvement.
The knee is a common site of injury in children and teenagers, especially those involved in competitive sports. Because children's knees are changing and growing, it is important that physicians treating children be familiar with the types of injuries and complications as well as the diagnostic and treatment procedures unique to this age group, according to a study.
An antivenin injection, rather than surgery, is the proper initial treatment to combat the poison of a rattlesnake bite in children, according to a new study, "Rattlesnake Bites in Children: Antivenin Treatment and Surgical Indications."
Bone fractures that result from a fall from or below standing height--called low-energy fractures--occur more often in older individuals and may increase the risk of a future fracture at the same site.
Carpal tunnel syndrome, one of the most common causes of hand and wrist pain, occurs when there is pressure on the median nerve, one of the important nerves that supply sensation to the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers of the hand. When tissues in the carpal tunnel become inflamed and swollen from overuse or other causes, they press on the median nerve, producing pain and numbness in the hand.
Agriculture is one of the most hazardous industries in this country. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reports that every day about 500 agricultural workers suffer lost-work time injuries, and about 5 percent of these result in permanent impairment, including limb amputation.
Shoulders take more wear and tear today than ever before. Toting travel bags, luggage, laptop computers, backpacks, sports equipment, and musical instruments places stress on the shoulders that can lead to muscle strain and lower back pain.
Almost six million injuries happen in the workplace each year, costing over 60 billion dollars in lost wages, healthcare expenses, legal costs and worker's compensation claims, according to the AAOS. The majority of injuries resulted from over-exertion, repetitive stress injuries and falls in the workplace.
During the annual preparations for the new school year, parents should buy properly fitted and supportive shoes that offer protection and comfort, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Although trendy new styles appeal to the kids, parents must look first for durable construction and good fit.
With summer ending and school just around the corner, children will be returning to recess -- and schoolyard playgrounds. The number of playground injuries each year are high: according to the U.S. Product Safety Commission, in the year 2000 there were more than 541,792 playground-related injuries treated in hospital emergency rooms and doctor's offices.
Every fall backpacks are high on the list of back-to-school necessities because they are an easy way to carry books and supplies. In many schools, they are also a fashion statement. But overloading and slinging a heavy backpack over one shoulder can lead a child to developing muscle strains, spine curvatures, and a lifetime of back pain.
Foot ulcers are a common complication of diabetes and the most common reason for lower-extremity amputation in the United States. Therefore, understanding the ulcer-producing process is important to detect feet that are at risk.
The percentage of patients admitted to the hospital with a hip fracture who received treatment for osteoporosis, age-related loss of bone mass, increased significantly during a four-year study.
Preoperative autologous (self) blood donation for patients undergoing total hip replacement may not be necessary and, in some cases, may increase the likelihood of unnecessary autologous transfusion, waste of predonated blood, and extra costs.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons wants to know whether or not you have sustained an injury related to your weight training program. By responding to the online survey, you will be rewarded with tips, guidelines and exercises to reduce your injury risk.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons wants to know whether or not you have sustained an injury related to your weight training program. By responding to the online survey, you will be rewarded with tips, guidelines and exercises to reduce your injury risk.
To reduce the risk of hand amputation and other fireworks-related injury, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons is urging people not to handle, ignite or transport these devices even if their state permits it.
Soccer, a favorite summer sport among many children and adolescents, is also high on the list for most injuries. For many, soccer is part of the summer routine; challenging, competitive and at times, a concern for orthopaedic surgeons nationwide. The competitiveness can be seen clearly in the World Cup, along with the possibility of an array of injuries.
Summer is a time of celebration with prom, graduation, parties, picnics, reunions, and the long holiday weekends. For many drivers, that means consuming alcohol, which can lead to severe consequences and fatalities. In 2000, 16,653 people died as a result of alcohol-related crashes.
Summer is a time of celebration with prom, graduation, parties, picnics, reunions, and the long holiday weekends. For many drivers, that means consuming alcohol, which can lead to severe consequences and fatalities. In 2000, 16,653 people died as a result of alcohol-related crashes.
As part of its on-going commitment to the National Bone and Joint Decade, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons will host a 30-minute teleconference. Representatives from the AAOS, the United States Bone and Joint Organization and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation will address the burden of disease for back pain in children and adults.
Bicycling, basketball, roller sports, soccer, and baseball/softball occupy the majority of children's time during the spring and summer months. But these sports also get a lot of attention in hospital emergency rooms and doctors' offices across the nation, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Spring is here and for many, that means an endless list of chores. Cleaning, fix-it-up projects, painting, yard work, working in the garden, and planting are just a few things on your to-do list. While many look forward to working in the garden and around the house, thousands of injuries occur each year as a result of mishaps around the home. A number of activities can be dangerous or even deadly if the proper precautions are not taken.
Scooter-related injuries have skyrocketed in the past several years and orthopaedic surgeons nationwide are urging parents to be aware of the risks associated with un-powered scooters.
Spring is the time when everyone starts thinking about sprucing up the house and yard. Whether it is washing the windows or cleaning the gutters, one of the first tools that homeowners reach for is a ladder.
A favorite sport among the young and old, baseball attracts players of all skills and ages. With more than 40 million Americans participating in softball and baseball leagues, injuries continue to be on the rise.
Members of the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons, gathered outside the Capitol in support of the Help Efficient, Accessible, Low-cost, Timely Health Care, (HEALTH) Act of 2002. Orthopaedic surgeons are among a group of physicians experiencing a higher increase in medical liability premiums.
"Diversification and qualifications can and should be successful partners," stated the newly elected president of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons during the 69th Annual Meeting in Dallas, this past February.
Most, if not all, medical students should receive a solid foundation in musculoskeletal medicine because a variety of medical practitioners, in addition to orthopaedic surgeons, provide musculoskeletal care. Yet a large majority of medical residents failed to demonstrate basic competency in musculoskeletal medicine.
Initial treatment and repair of a hip fracture is just part of the recovery process. Optimal recovery depends on a comprehensive, coordinated strategy, beginning with prevention and extending far beyond the initial hospital stay.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons will kick-off a year-long public education program that offers prevention tips for all ages on a variety of orthopaedic injuries.
Applying low-energy shock waves externally has proven to be an effective nonsurgical treatment for chronic plantar fasciitis, according to a new study.
Recognizing the need for standardized, reliable and valid instruments to measure the outcomes of musculoskeletal care, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, in conjunction with a number of orthopaedic specialty societies, created a series of outcomes instruments, or measuring tools.