The orthopaedic profession and the industry partnership.

The partnership between the orthopaedic profession and industry has existed for more than half a century and has created advanced orthopaedic care and conflicting interest in the delivery of that care. The orthopaedic surgeon first initiated and controlled the relationship with industry as surgeon innovators strove to improve orthopaedic implants. Over time, the practice of orthopaedic surgery and the business of orthopaedic product supply have changed substantially, as has the environment within which each functions. The surgeon's scope of care has expanded enormously over the past decades. Today, orthopaedic care is delivered through a highly interdependent relationship of the orthopaedic profession, the products industry, healthcare providers, healthcare financers, and government agencies. In many ways the relative influence of the orthopaedic surgeon has diminished in this relationship as the influence of other parties has grown. This work outlines some of the current risks and opportunities for the beneficial delivery of patient care the orthopaedic profession and industry mutually face.