Summary
This article is a liberal attempt to marginalize the changes in Orthopedic protocol. The practices of each individual physician would need to be analyzed to truly apply these very broad statements. People fail to give surgeons proper credit for implant selection and their "unspoken" code of ethics.
Analysis
There have been many changes over the last several years in the orthopedic implant market, and as the DOJ (Department of Justice) has tried to further regulate this practice, the backlash is felt through-out the ranks of the Orthpaedic world. Some of the biggest prosthesis companies completely bailed on all prior arrangements and contracts secondary to the DOJ inolvement. This left many orthopedic surgeons with a very bad taste in their mouths, not to mention, much lighter wallets. Overall, I would like to think that most surgeons would only enter into such contracts with these companies after careful consideration and to only support what they consider to be a superior product. Unfortunately, I know this is not always the truth. There are people who will always abuse a system. This will take place no matter how strenuous you make the process or procedure. I do not think that it is right to completely detroy a specialty because of a few people's abuses.
How many professions do you know where a representative from a company cannot take you out to dinner or drinks in order to discuss business? I would be truly suprised if you could name another profession that has fallen into such scrutiny over "standard" business practices. The bottom-line is that we, as a community, have failed terribly at defending what is truly our right to practice the profession and the business which we have chosen. I would not argue with a cap on contracts or a limit, but completely eliminating these relationships is irresponsible.
There has to be faith in one of the most highly sought-after and most respected professions left in this country. These arrangements do not hamper nor impede the process of product development. In fact, they probably aid in the overall innovative process. Companies can gain immediate access to a surgeons thoughts and improvement ideas. Let us move forward in our endeavors to improve the practice of Orthopedic surgery without all of the red tape and distrust.
