Disclosure

Taos Orthopaedic Institute and a related institution, Taos Orthopaedic Institute Research Foundation (TOIRF), have been active in education and research including teaching and development of new implants and improved surgical instruments and techniques. As part of this work, Taos Orthopaedic Institute doctors have worked under contract, or otherwise collaborated, with orthopaedic or pharmaceutical companies, providing consulting services on new products and input on research and development. In addition, Taos Orthopaedic Institute doctors have given instructional lectures on implants and surgical and rehabilitation techniques to other doctors and medical personnel. In return for this time and expertise, Taos Orthopaedic Institute doctors or staff have been paid consulting fees, distributions, royalties, research grant funding, and educational grant funding, and TOIRF has been gifted educational grants, research grants, and Fellowship grants. In addition, Taos Orthopaedic Institute doctors have participated in industry sponsored educational events, and have received meals or travel.

During the year ending December 2017, Taos Orthopaedic Institute doctors or TOIRF received something of financial value from: Arthrex, Breg, FH Orthopedics, Desert Mountain Medical, DJO, Ivivi, Medacta, Pacira, Smith & Nephew, Stryker, Tornier, Wright Medical.

Our doctors use products and prescribe services from these companies in the care of patients, and also use similar products from other companies and manufacturers. The selection of which product to use or prescribe is based only on what is best for a patient, not on which company makes the product.

Taos Orthopaedic Institute doctors are member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) which holds its members to high ethical standards to ensure that even the appearance of a conflict of interest does not jeopardize the trust that patients place in our doctors. AAOS has adopted Standards of Professionalism that require orthopaedic surgeon members to identify and disclose potential conflicts of interest to our patients, the public, and colleagues. These Standards also clearly articulate how and under what circumstances AAOS members may work with and be compensated by industry, as well as the penalties for failure to comply. You can learn more about these Standards of Professionalism at the AAOS website:
http://www.aaos.org/industryrelationships

It is important to our office that you are aware of these financial relationships with orthopaedic manufactures and service providers, that our office puts the interests of patients first, and that we are available to answer any questions that you may have.

In addition, because Taos Orthopaedic Institute doctors are active in education and research including teaching, our doctors often travel out of town to fulfill various medical education and research obligations. It is possible that after a patient receives care from a Taos Orthopaedic Institute doctor, the doctor may be out of town if or when the patient requires additional or emergency care. It is important to our office that you are aware that Taos Orthopaedic Institute doctors frequently travel, and also function as a team, so when a doctor is out of town, coverage from one of our other doctors will be available.