Our knowledge of orthopaedics. Your best health.

from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

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Editorial Policy

OrthoInfo is the patient education website of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). The site provides patients and their families with convenient, online access to more than 450 easy-to-understand articles and videos on orthopaedic conditions and treatments, injury prevention, rehabilitation, and healthy living.

OrthoInfo was created to support orthopaedic surgeons in their discussions with patients by providing trustworthy and nonbiased online educational resources. Using OrthoInfo, doctors and other healthcare providers can share images, articles and videos on a variety of topics — from arthritis and sports injuries, to preparing for surgery, pain management and recovery — from a mobile phone or tablet. Staff also can email links or direct patients and caregivers to our website for more information.

Several articles on the site are designed to help patients prepare for their orthopaedic procedures. Checklists help patients talk to their doctors about their medications, their existing medical conditions, and other factors that can impact the success of their surgery. Many OrthoInfo articles and resources are available in Spanish.

Our continuing goal is to be the primary authoritative source on the Internet for reliable orthopaedic information for both patients and the general public.

How Content Is Developed for OrthoInfo

All OrthoInfo articles and resources are developed by orthopaedic surgeons who are experts in their fields. The editorial team at the AAOS then works to make more complex medical information easier to read and understand.

Before publication, all content is peer-reviewed by physician members of the OrthoInfo Editorial Board — a 13-member board representing all orthopaedic subspecialties, including sports medicine, pediatrics, and joint replacement.

In addition, our Editorial Board regularly identifies new topics for development, ensuring that content is accurate and reflective of the latest orthopaedic research, and treatment and care standards.

All articles and resources are reviewed by orthopaedic surgeons on a regular basis to ensure that the information presented is up-to-date.

This rigorous medical review process makes OrthoInfo one of the few peer-reviewed orthopaedic resources for patients on the Internet.

About Our Editorial Board

The physicians who comprise our Editorial Board have a strong interest in developing high-quality orthopaedic information and resources for patients. In addition, each member of our expert panel has considerable experience in their orthopaedic subspecialty.

While orthopaedic surgeons are familiar with all aspects of the musculoskeletal system, many orthopaedists specialize in certain areas, such as the foot and ankle, spine, shoulder, hand and wrist, hip, or knee. They may also choose to focus on specific fields like pediatrics, trauma, or sports medicine. Some orthopaedic surgeons may specialize in several areas. The OrthoInfo Editorial Board is representative of each orthopaedic specialty area.

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Please note that the unbiased, reliable information we provide on OrthoInfo is not intended to serve as medical advice. If you are seeking musculoskeletal advice or assistance, please contact your orthopaedic surgeon, or locate one in your area through the AAOS “Find an Orthopaedist” service.

For questions about OrthoInfo, our content, or our policies:

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Last Reviewed

June 2023

AAOS does not endorse any treatments, procedures, products, or physicians referenced herein. This information is provided as an educational service and is not intended to serve as medical advice. Anyone seeking specific orthopaedic advice or assistance should consult his or her orthopaedic surgeon, or locate one in your area through the AAOS Find an Orthopaedist program on this website.