Guideline Development Process and Procedures

The methods used to develop clinical practice guidelines are designed to combat bias, enhance transparency, and promote reproducibility. The purpose is to allow interested readers the ability to inspect all of the information the Work Group used to reach all of its decisions, and to verify that these decisions are in accord with the best available evidence.

Sequence of Guideline Development:

Topic Selected --> Introductory Meeting --> Research & Development --> Final Meeting --> Peer Review --> Public Commentary --> Approval Process --> Posted on AAOS website

Work Group Introductory Packets

Introductory Packets provide detailed information about the AAOS guideline development process and instructions for chairs and members of a work group.

Chair and Vice Chair Packets (PDF format)

Member Packets (PDF format)