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Overview
2008 Editorial Statement
The editors of numerous journals in orthopaedics are running this or a similar editorial. As a group, we feel the issue of transparency with patients about orthopaedic surgeons' relationships with industry is complex and important, and every orthopaedic surgeon should be familiar with the new AAOS Standards of Professionalism on Orthopaedist-Industry Conflicts of Interest.
November 1, 2007
Implant Manufacturers Comply With Settlement
On Wednesday October 31, in order to comply with settlement agreements with the US Attorney of New Jersey (Department of Justice or DOJ), five orthopaedic hip and knee manufacturers disclosed the names and certain financial information about physicians with whom they have had a financial relationship in 2007.
In recent years, there have been extensive publicity and public discussions on the relationship between pharmaceutical and medical device makers and individual physicians. Articles questioning some of these relationships have appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and the Washington Post.
In 2005, the U.S. DOJ began investigating certain consulting or professional service arrangements between orthopaedic surgeons and medical device makers. In September 2007, five device manufacturers reached a settlement with the DOJ. The DOJ investigation is reported to be continuing.
Throughout this website, you will find resources addressing the various aspects of the ongoing discussions on relationship between pharmaceutical and medical device makers and individual physicians.
This area of the website contains letters, communications, news items, and press releases regarding the settlement and ongoing efforts for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) to address these issues.
The AAOS has adopted required standards on the appropriate relationship between physicians and industry. This area of the website reviews these standards and their implications in practice.
The AAOS has also developed aspirational ethical guidelines to address under what circumstances, if any, it is appropriate for orthopaedic surgeons to accept gifts or other financial support from industry, including pharmaceutical, biomaterial or device manufacturers. This area of the website provides the AAOS Opinions on Ethics and Professionalism and guidelines for physician-industry relationships.
The AAOS has developed a number of educational programs and publications that provide insights into the complex and potentially challenging and rewarding relationships between health care companies and health care professionals.
The AAOS has developed several tools for orthopaedic surgeons to use in discussing conflict of interest issues with patients and the public.
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