Expanding the orthopaedist's role in the treatment of foot and ankle disorders.
Many opportunities exist and more will become available for expanding the role of orthopaedic surgeons in the treatment of patients with foot and ankle conditions in the United States. The current authors present the main areas of opportunity: giving comprehensive foot care to patients who already are treated by orthopaedic surgeons and the application of advanced scientific biotechnology that will improve outcomes for patients with foot and ankle conditions who currently do not have satisfactory treatment. Orthopaedic surgeons must maintain a high level of commitment in their education and professional availability to patients and primary care physicians to expand their participation in foot and ankle care. Networking with physician and nonphysician primary care providers and volunteering educational services for fellow professionals in the evaluation and treatment of the entire spectrum of foot and ankle conditions is necessary. The general orthopaedist and the orthopaedic foot and ankle specialist can share in the future of treatment of patients with foot and ankle conditions in the United States.
Hurwitz
S
S
Department of Orthopaedics, University of Virginia Health Systems, Charlottesville 22908, USA.
Okereke
E
E
D000842:Ankle; D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000601:surgery; D001847:Bone Diseases / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy; D005534:Foot Diseases / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D009985:Orthopedics