Good communication with patients has always been essential in orthopaedic practice. It is the "cornerstone" of the physician-patient relationship.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) urges orthopaedic surgeons to use patient-focused communication skills during their direct patient encounters.

Read the AAOS Advisory Statement on The Importance of Good Communication in the Physician-Patient RelationshipAdvisory Statement on The Importance of Good Communication in the Physician-Patient Relationship (http://www.aaos.org/about/papers/advistmt/1017.asp).