American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) describes itself as “the world’s preeminent medical association of musculoskeletal specialists”[1]. AAOS was created to encourage continuing education, provide access to educational resources, and give all orthopedic surgeons practicing in North America a national forum for discussion and scientific exchange 

AAOS is a key provider of musculoskeletal education to orthopedic surgeons around the world. The academy offers continuing medical education (CME) activities, multiple CME courses across the country, an orthopedic Learning Center and holds a prominent annual meeting for members to share research, exchange ideas, and promote its values to a wider national and international audience.

Mission and History

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons’ mission and vision are:

 “Serving our profession to provide the highest quality musculoskeletal care and keeping the world in motion through the prevention and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions.” [2]

Founded in 1933, AAOS was initially created to provide a national forum for the steadily increasing numbers of orthopedic surgeons in the United States [3]. The original purpose of the academy as set out by its charter at the time included the advancement of the principles and practice of orthopedic surgery, the certification of orthopedic specialists, the standardization of orthopedic nomenclature, and most importantly to serve as a link between the American Orthopedic Association (AOA), the American Medical Association (AMA) and the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) [4].

From this beginning and with many of the original goals still in mind, over the next 70 years, AAOS evolved to become the largest orthopedic organization in the world [5]. Currently, AAOS has a membership of approximately 39,000 orthopedic surgeons. With such a large membership, this academy serves patients of all ages, abilities, and capabilities.

Registry Program

The AAOS Registry Program’s purpose is to improve orthopedic care through the collection, analysis, and reporting of actionable data. They seek to encompass all the musculoskeletal and anatomical areas for orthopedics through comprehensive data and technology resulting in optimal patient outcomes. [6] Since the program’s creation, they have expanded to include:

• American Joint Replacement Registry (AJRR)
• Musculoskeletal Tumor Registry (MsTR)
• Shoulder & Elbow Registry (SER)
• American Spine Registry (ASR)

References

• 1) AAOS website. 
• 2) AAOS website. [Strategic plan].
• 3-5) Orthopedics Today. AAOS led orthopedic specialty’s educational efforts. January 2000.c
• 6) About the AAOS Registry Program