To the Editor:
Total joint replacement is a safe, effective treatment for pain and disability. This is documented by joint registries, clinical studies and the experiences of millions of patients. Despite the overwhelming success of hip replacements, your article reports important concerns with one category of device.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons disseminates timely information to surgeons and patients to support our members’ aim to help return patients to full, productive lives. Our patients — athletes, gardeners, executives and grandparents — are diverse in health and lifestyle, but our goal is singular: a successful result from surgery.
A.A.O.S. supports patient/physician shared decision-making to improve outcomes, and we urge any patient who is considering a joint replacement to speak with the surgeon about his or her experience and consult published information about the advantages and disadvantages of different devices. Orthopedic surgeons welcome open dialogue with each person we treat.
DANIEL J. BERRY
President, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Rosemont, Ill., Aug. 25, 2011