Orthopaedic surgeons and industry: the value proposition.

Although the deferred and non-prosecution agreements entered into by five of the leading orthopaedic implant companies have caused our profession to re-examine the surgeon-industry partnerships that have helped advance the field, the legal and ethical considerations in that relationship have not changed. Moving forward, the surgeon must recognize that a truly valuable exchange must be demonstrated and delivered in that relationship for compensation to be warranted. This paper summarizes the value proposition in the orthopaedic surgeon-industry partnership.