AAOS calls for submission of stories of orthopaedic care

What can you or someone you know do today because of orthopaedic care?

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) encourages patients of all ages to submit their stories of orthopaedic care at www.aNationinMotion.org

WHAT: The AAOS plans to tell the stories of orthopaedic patients who have faced a condition or injury. Patients, whose quality of life has improved with treatment, can help surgeons illustrate the value of medical innovation and help us recognize the importance of access to quality orthopaedic care.

WHY: More than a quarter of Americans will have a musculoskeletal condition or injury in their lifetime, with back and knee injuries being the most prevalent.

Orthopaedic surgeons are experts in musculoskeletal health and treat people of all ages. Oftentimes, this care helps to get people moving again, allowing them to return to work and to the activities they love, pain free.

"People may not realize that orthopaedic surgeons treat infants, elite athletes, seniors and everyone in between. Our members' orthopaedic specialties vary, from hands to feet, spines, joints, trauma, pediatrics and a variety of other areas of expertise. The stories we are collecting will illustrate the value of this care to a person, a family, a community and our country," said AAOS CEO Karen Hackett, FACHE, CAE.

WHEN:  Story submissions are welcome at www.ANationinMotion.org now through Friday, March 23, 2012.

DETAILS:  Each submission will ask for basic contact information, but only the first name and last initial, hometown and the completion of the phrase, "Because of my orthopaedic care, I can …." will be made public at a later date. Patients may also upload photos and video footage and selected patients will be contacted by the AAOS and profiled in depth later this year. Additional details are available at www.aNationinMotion.org.