Knee Implant Problem Has Orthopedic Surgeons Begging for Independent Data

Abstract

SOME ORTHOPEDIC surgeons want to stop limping along on anecdotal data when choosing knee implants. Advertising claims by implant manufacturers are seldom substantiated by independent investigators and educational programs on surgical technique are often plagued by potential conflicts of interest, complained panel members at a recent symposium. They presented a "Critical Analysis of Today's Knee Implants" at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons' (AAOS) annual meeting in New Orleans, La. Clement Sledge, MD, past president of the AAOS, is suggesting a surcharge of $5 per square foot on space in the academy meeting's exhibition hall to subsidize independent verification of such claims. The 147 000 sq ft of space rented to exhibitors at this year's meeting would have netted $735 000. Sledge says the necessary scientific assessment of materials, stresses, stability, and kinematics in implant design is "too complex for each of us as individuals to apply to every implant