The Limits of Orthopaedic Surgery: A Critique of Heroic Salvage Measures

In this episode, host Ahmed Emara, MD, welcomes Nathan Mesko, MD, FAAOS, to explore the limits of orthopaedic surgery and the sometimes gut-wrenching decisions surrounding “heroic” measures. 

Dr. Mesko will explain why the definition of “success” may be different for the surgeon than for the patient and how to recognize when surgical intervention, while technically possible, may do more harm to the patient than good. In other words, just because you can perform a procedure, should you perform it?

The conversation highlights the emotional and ethical pressures behind these difficult choices, the importance of honest self-reflection and communication with the patient before making treatment decisions, and how surgeons can cope with the guilt or feelings of failure they may feel if they don't operate.

Guest: Nathan Mesko, MD, FAAOS, Vice Chair of Global Clinical Operations and Center Director for Orthopaedic Oncology, Cleveland Clinic; associate professor, Orthopaedics Department (Integrated Surgical Institute) and Department of Hematology and Oncology, Cleveland Clinic

Host: Ahmed Emara, MD, member, AAOS Now Editorial Board