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The article reports on the release of the updated Unified Orthopaedic Research Agenda (URA) by the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) in 2014. The updated agenda highlights a revised list of research priorities essential to lessen the socioeconomic burden of musculoskeletal disorders and improve mobility and function in the U.S. The agenda has been restructured for specific audiences, such as funding agencies, members of Congress and the public.

The article offers information on the updated rules issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HSS) that lower the dollar threshold for medical researchers who received federal funding.

The article focuses on the potential bias on the Medtronic Inc.-sponsored recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) research in the U.S. The periodical "The Spine Journal" has undertaken reviews on rhBMP-2 research in which the editors concluded that researchers has permitted unaccountable special interests to permeate medical research. It mentions that researchers have failed to report the adverse events of rhBMP-2 such as sterility in men and potentially harmful bone growth.

The article offers the insight of the panelists at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) Annual Meeting symposium titled "The International Musculoskeletal Time Bomb: Time for Action" regarding the lagging health care delivery in the U.S. and how orthopaedics can address the increasing demand for orthopaedic services. Among the panelists who offered their views include Stuart L. Weinstein of the University of Iowa and Scott D. Boden of Emory Orthopaedics & Spine Center.

The article focuses on a study published in the periodical "The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery" on the effectiveness of using simulators to enhance training of surgeons in the U.S. It states that the research participants achieved 100 percent score on visualization and procedure task, and complete set of tasks within 150 percent of average time. It mentions that the study suggests that simulation training on virtual-reality knee model should be included in residency training programs.

The article focuses on state-based physician health programs (PHPs) which help physicians to maintain their professional status while on rehabilitation. Federation of State Physician Health Programs former president Gary D. Carr says that 47 states in the U.S. have PHPs, and the key to its success is the willingness of the physician to participate. It mentions that the program represents progress on its approach to substance abuse and alcoholism and for medical profession.

The article reports that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the ECRI Institute state that fires in the operating room is a potential hazard and occur approximately 550 to 650 times a year. The FDA, along with the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) and other partners, has stepped up efforts since 2011 to increase awareness of surgical fires and to promote safe practices to prevent them.

The article reports on the public service initiatives spearheaded by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) in 2012 in the U.S. It notes that the campaigns utilized all the major media to educate people on the hazards of overuse injuries in young athletes, distracted driving, and childhood obesity. Also, it mentions that the initiatives promote health and safety and present the role of the orthopaedic surgeon as an advocate for the well-being of patients.

The article focuses on the significance of using checklists in surgery to prevent errors, promote safety and confirm that surgeons are following evidence-based practices in the U.S. It notes that Michael J. Goldberg of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) converted clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) into tools which allow surgeons to improve health outcomes. It notes that the checklists must be signed on electronically at three stages of movements among patients.

The article focuses on the remarks from Republican political guru Karl Rove regarding the Patient Protection and Care Act (PPACA) in the U.S. He claims that PPACA is an unworkable, unaffordable and unfair to both physicians and patients in the country. Rove further stresses that the act has been facing challenges in the courts based on the theory that it violates the commerce clause of the constitution. His belief for the possible repeal and revision of the act is also emphasized.

The article highlights the significance of proper planning and systematic approach to optimize outcomes of spine surgery in the U.S. It mentions the complexities of surgical techniques for patients with scoliosis and other spinal deformities that require the need to integrate safety measures during and after the surgery. Dr. Suken A. Shah claims that adverse events occur in 70,000 children undergoing such surgery wherein 60% of the cases are preventable.

The article highlights the significance of medical experience on the improved outcomes in scoliosis surgery in the U.S. It notes that patients who undergo adolescent scoliosis surgery (AIS) performed by orthopaedic surgeons with less than 5 years of experience have reported longer surgery times. A research study that assesses the impact of surgeons' experience on AIS, putting emphasis on the importance of continued learning and mentorship for young surgeons, is also mentioned.

An interview with Dr. Greg Anderson and Dr, Christopher K. Kepler in the U.S. is presented. Kepler mentions the importance of the anatomy of intervertebral disk (IVD) since its two main components have different biomechanical functions. Anderson stresses the need to understand how the normal anabolic and catabolic processes in the IVD are altered in tissue degradation. Furthermore, Kepler elaborates the cellular senescence which is the time when the cell stops dividing. INSET: Bottom line:.

Information the 2011 Specialty Day of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society about foot and ankle surgery held in the U.S. is presented. Topics include the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) during surgery, the use of chemical thromboprophylaxis for DVT and PE, and recommendations on DVT prophylaxis. The symposium featured presenters including surgeons Jamie T. Griffiths, Arush Patel, and David R. Richardson. INSET: Bottom Line.

The article discusses the alarming increase in injury and mortality from vehicular accidents in all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) in the U.S. It refers to the report of surgeon Jeffrey R. Sawyer on the unsettling statistics which indicates that majority of the casualties from 1982 to 2009 are children under 16 years. It reveals that the accidents are attributable to the production of larger, faster, and more powerful ATVs that have top speeds over 100 miles per hour.

Information about the advances in device design for total ankle replacement (TAR) at the 2010 annual meeting of the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS). Beat Hintermann, orthopeadic surgeons from Switzerland, discusses the use of ankle prostheses, the significance of ligament balancing and osseous balancing of the hindfoot. Charles L. Saltzman, orthopedic in the U.S., explains the factors of TAR implants including bone resection, articular geometry, and surgical equipment.

The article presents the study entitled Brace Treatment Controls Progression in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis conducted by physicians Donald E. Katz and J. Anthony Herring that tackles the use of sensors to monitor brace wear by patients with idiophatic adolescent scoliosis in the U.S. The study is named the outstanding clinical scientific paper during 2010 annual meeting of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America. However, the effectiveness of the treatment remains unproven.

Information about the roundtable discussion on biceps tendon in the U.S. is presented. Topics include a case of a 53-year old man with anterolateral shoulder pain, a case of a 35-year old overhead athlete with anterior shoulder pain, and a 58-year-old man with shoulder pain treated with biceps tenotomy or tenodesis. The roundtable discussion featured several orthopaedic surgeons including Richard K. N. Ryu, Nikhil N. Verma, and Gilles Walch.

The article focuses on the statement by former Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) administrator Donald M. Berwick on the need for surgeons to develop new health care delivery models in the U.S. His argument has been delivered during the annual meeting of the American Association of Hip & Knee Surgeons (AAHKS) in 2013. He notes that the model will reduce medical care cost and will put poor patients on the physician's priority.

The article presents the study of Dr. Stephen C. Weber and colleagues that investigates the efficacy of using platelet rich plasma in rotator cuff surgical operations in the U.S. Researchers performed their research on 60 patients who received platelet-rich fibrin matrix (PRFM) prior to surgery. They found that PRFM is not beneficial to patients who underwent surgery on rotator cuff because it is not risk free and it is expensive as well.

The article focuses on the accessibility issue in the replantation services in orthopedics in the U.S. It mentions that patient access to the said services may be restrained by the number of surgeons trained in microsurgery. Also, it notes that all Level 1 trauma centers is necessitated to have the capacity to render microvascular care and a transfer agreement with an alternative center.

The article discusses the statement of Dr. James F. Kellam about improvements in emergency department (ED) coverage in the U.S. Speaking at the 2012 Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) Specialty Day, Kellam claimed that another important step to address a number of concerns about orthopaedists' liability would be to improve the call system by removing barriers to good care. He also summarized results of an American Orthopaedic Association survey of orthopaedists.

An interview with author Russell M. LaFrance in the U.S. is presented. When asked what is the typical diagnostic approach in tibial fracture, refers the plain radiographs and the magnetic resonance image to show fractures. Dr. LaFrance explains that the classification described the injury in three classes including the displaced, hinged and comminuted. He elaborates that stiffness is a common complications after surgery, but fractures fixed with screws have high reoperation rate.

The article discusses the Canadian study conducted by Dr. Andrew W. Howard and colleagues that affirms the effectiveness of prefabricated wrist splint to treat children with distal radius or ulnar fractures in the U.S.

Information about several topics discussed at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) 2010 Annual Meeting is presented. Topics include the discussion for orthopaedic surgeons' use of off-label and the importance of U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)'s regulations to ensure that off-label is at best of interest of the patients. It adds that presentations at the symposium also cover topics including the efficiency of antibiotic-impregnated cement in total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

An interview with conservative commentator Mary Matalin is presented. When asked about her outlook for the 2010 U.S. Congressional elections, she says that 2010 congressional elections in a hate Congress election and that bias on incumbency could help in the election. Matalin says that U.S. President Barack Obama and the Democrats thinks that physicians are between crazy and negligent. She adds that healthcare issue will lead to disintegration which is a real challenge to Democratic party.

The article focuses on the accredited bodies designated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) such as the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC). It says that Medicare suppliers of advanced diagnostic imaging must be accredited to receive Medicare reimbursement effective January 1, 2012. It adds that orthopaedic practices obtaining accreditation will have to comply with the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Magnetic Resonance Laboratories' requirement.