September 11, 2013
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons has released a list of commonly ordered tests or procedures that may not always be necessary in orthopedics as part of ABIM Foundation’s Choose Wisely campaign.

“More than one in four Americans require medical attention due to a musculoskeletal condition and that number continues to grow,” Joshua J. Jacobs, MD, president of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), stated in an AAOS press release. “As orthopedic surgeons, our duty to our patients is to restore mobility and improve their quality of life through evidence-based, high-quality treatment. Our participation in the Choosing Wisely campaign will help shape patient-physician dialogue, which as we all know is the cornerstone of optimal care. Identifying tests, procedures or treatments that show little to no value not only helps our patients by preventing unnecessary care, but will end up saving health care dollars.”

• avoid performing routine postoperative deep vein thrombosis ultrasonography screening in patients who undergo elective hip or knee arthroplasty;
• do not use needle lavage to treat patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee for long-term relief;
• do not use glucosamine and chondroitin to treat patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee;
• do not use lateral wedge insoles to treat patients with symptomatic medial compartment osteoarthritis of the knee; and
• do not use postoperative splinting of the wrist after carpal tunnel release for long-term relief.

According to the release, more than 30 medical organizations and societies will release similar lists during the next year to facilitate the Choose Wisely campaign.

Reference:
www.aaos.org
www.abimfoundation.org/News/ABIM-Foundation-News/2013/More-Than-30-Specialty-Societies-to-Release-New-Choosing-Wisely-Lists.aspx
www.choosingwisely.org

Disclosure: Jacobs is a paid consultant for Medtronic Sofamor Danek, Nuvasive and Zimmer and retains stock options for Implant Protection.