The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons released a list of tests commonly ordered but not always necessary as part of the ABIM Foundation's Choosing Wisely campaign.
The list, designed to "support conversations between patients and physicians about what care is really necessary," includes:
• Avoid performing routine post-operative deep vein thrombosis ultrasonography screening in patients who undergo elective hip or knee surgery.
• Don't use needle lavage to treat patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee for long-term relief.
• Don't use glucosamine and chondroitin to treat patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee.
• Don't use lateral wedge insoles to treat patients with symptomatic medial compartment osteoarthritis of the knee.
• Don't use post-operative splinting of the wrist after carpal tunnel release for long-term relief.
"As orthopedic surgeons, our duty to patients is to restore mobility and improve their quality of life through evidence-based, high-quality treatment," said Joshua J. Jacobs, MD, AAOS President. "Our participation in the Choosing Wisely campaign will help shape patient-physician dialogue, which as we all know is the cornerstone of optimal care. Identifying tests, procedures or treatments that show little to no value not only helps our patients by preventing unnecessary care, but will end up saving healthcare dollars."
More than 30 other specialty society partners plan to release Choosing Wisely lists over the next year, according to the report.
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