Research and Scientific Affairs

The Research and Scientific Affairs Department collects, analyzes and disseminates scientific data and information for members, AAOS staff, and external organizations to support the mission of the Academy. 

The department also supports the AAOS Council on Research and Quality and its associated committees and activities.

Research News

Systematic Reviews of Vertebroplasty Differ in Transparency, Study Inclusion Criteria, and Outcome Analysis

Shi et al.’s recently published study in Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research examined the controversial topic of percutaneous vertebroplasty and used less rigorous methods to reach a conclusion that differs from the AAOS’ strong recommendation against vertebroplasty for patients who present with an osteoporotic spinal compression fracture on imaging with correlating clinical signs and symptoms who are neurologically intact. The CORR study differs from the analysis by the AAOS CPG workgroup in selection criteria, evidence quality, and evaluation of treatment effects.

• Letter to the Editor from David S. Jevsevar, MD, MBA; Stephen I. Esses, MD;  and Deborah S. Cummins, PhD
• AAOS Clinical Practice Guideline “The Treatment of Symptomatic Osteoporotic Compression Spinal Fractures

Headline News 7/27/12

AAOS responds to CORR study on vertebroplasty.

AAOS has submitted a response to the editors of the journal Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research (CORR), regarding a recently published study that uses less rigorous methods to reach a conclusion that differs from the AAOS’ strong recommendation against vertebroplasty for patients who present with an osteoporotic spinal compression fracture on imaging with correlating clinical signs and symptoms who are neurologically intact. An AAOS team made up of David Jevsevar, MD, MBA, chair of the Evidence Based Practice Committee, Stephen I. Esses, MD, chair of the clinical practice guideline (CPG) on Treatment of Symptomatic Osteoporotic Spinal Compression Fractures workgroup, and Deborah S. Cummins, PhD, AAOS director of research, has reviewed the CORR study and noted substantial methodological differences in the authors’ analysis compared to the meta-analysis used by the AAOS workgroup in developing the CPG.

• Read the AAOS response (PDF)…
• Read the AAOS CPG (PDF)…
• Read the study abstract…

Recent and Upcoming Programs

• May 2013: AAOS/ORS Bone Quality and Fracture Prevention Symposium
• View all Research Symposia
• Research Capitol Hill Days
• AAOS/ORS/OREF Clinician Scientist Development Program

Orthopaedic Research Assistance Center for Learning and Education (ORACLE)

The AAOS ORACLE provides Academy members with:

• Statistical data on musculoskeletal conditions and treatments
• Medical literature searches
• General reference assistance