Research and Scientific Affairs

The Research and Scientific Affairs (RSA) Department collects, analyzes and disseminates scientific data and information for members, AAOS staff, public, and external organizations to support the mission of the AAOS. If you are looking for information or education for patients, please visit Your Orthopaedic Connection.

The RSA Department serves the AAOS Council of Research, Quality Assessment, and Technology, and is the home of the Biological Implants Committee, the Biomedical Engineering Committee, the Patient Safety Committee, the Evidence-Based Practice Committee, the Guidelines Oversight Committee, the Infections Committee, the Occupational Health and Worker's Compensation Committee, and the Research Development Committee. The RSA Department is also works with the Orthopaedic Device Forum, Strategic Taskforce on Guidelines, and Evidence Analysis Workgroups.

Physician Quality Reporting Initiative and Pay for Performance

In March 2007, The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) established the Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI), a voluntary program in which physicians collected and reported their practice data in relation to a set of 74 performance measures. The 2008 PQRI program begins January 1, 2008 and runs through December 2008. The number of performance measures has increased to 119, of which 13 have been identified to be applicable to the practice of orthopaedics.

• General information, detailed worksheets/coding forms, and reference links can be found in this section.

Recent and Upcoming Programs

• May 2008 Research Symposium:
  2008 AAOS/ORS Advanced Imaging and Computer Assisted Surgery of the Knee and Hip (AICKH) Research Symposium
• September 2008 Research Symposium:
  2008 AAOS/ORS Molecular Biology and Therapeutics in Musculoskeletal Oncology (MBTMO) Research Symposium
• View all Research Symposia
• 2008 Research Capitol Hill Days
• 2008 Clinician Scientist Development Program
• 2009 Traveling Fellowship

Research Hotline

Have a question or need more information? Our Research Hotline provides statistical data on musculoskeletal conditions and treatments to AAOS members, the public, and external organizations seeking orthopaedic information. Phone and email messages are generally answered within 24 hours, excluding weekends and holidays.

• 1-847-384-4312
• researchinfo@aaos.org