Preventative Care in Orthopedics: Treating Injuries Before They Happen.

Abstract

By 2025, it is estimated that the annual cost of treating osteoporosis-related fractures in the United States will be 25 billion dollars, which is 10 billion dollars more than was spent in 2010. As healthcare costs in the United States continue to skyrocket, it is imperative that orthopedic surgeons take an active role in avoiding preventable injury and disease. For orthopedic surgeons, preventative medicine will include promoting bone health and educating patients on injury prevention. By incorporating these principles into residency and fellowship education, and by leveraging the electronic medical record to support preventive care through systematic reminders, orthopedic surgeons have a critical opportunity to take a leading role in promoting prevention to our patients.