Making Sure the Media Gets It Right on Orthopaedic Research.

Abstract

Patient-centered medicine requires an informed health care consumer. Traditionally, orthopaedic surgeons were the primary source for patients regarding diagnostic and treatment options for musculoskeletal conditions. Now patients get information from a variety of sources including the Internet, social media, and print journalism. Most of these sources are not vetted or peer reviewed and some not even fact checked. Part of the role of the orthopaedic surgeon is to educate patients, and interpreting this type of information is an increasingly demanding but essential task. A recent article in the New York Times titled "Why 'Useless' Surgery Is Still Popular" illustrates the importance of this educational role. Patients deserve the most up-to-date and accurate assessment of medical information. The most appropriate source of that information is their treating physician and surgeon.