Metal on Metal Hip Resurfacing—YES! It is an option for the right patient and surgeon. De Smet v. Dunbar dive into this very interesting, CCJR debate.

The National Spine Foundation is attacking spine-related disability! The JBJS is recognizing superior work with its new Elite Reviewer Program. And a polymer delivers a time-released molecule to heal bone.

The Boston Shoulder Institute is using novel methods to cut confusion and improve outcome measurements. A Level 1 trauma center finds the best way to clear a backlog of OR cases. And the chief of Sports Shoulder at Penn is a part-time comedian who knows the power of healing with humor.

At the end of the day, we are partners with our hospitals, physicians and patients. We may forget that from time to time and especially in the heat of a competitive moment. But then tragedy strikes—as it did in November in Paris. At those moments the true soul of orthopedics emerges.

Scalia—what does his absence mean for healthcare? Is the President’s new budget—with funding proposals for FDA and CMS—dead on arrival? Finally, Opioids —new initiatives this month from both the FDA and Congress.

Better than fusion. At the five year mark. Head to head, prospective, Level 1 clinical study. Coflex® beats fusion for patients with moderate to severe lumbar stenosis (up to grade 1 spondylolythesis) at 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, 24 months and, now, 60 months. It’s a game changer, folks.

Despite the critical nature of pediatric orthopedics, most don’t flock to this subspecialty. One reason? It is emotionally challenging. But some do…and some become real standouts. Here is our list.

JBJS article discusses how while using BMDSMSCs did not aid in healing, the implant itself participated in the repair. Jim Bradley, M.D. has found that when it comes to elite athletes, those with posterior instability and rotator cuff tears fare better than those with SLAP tears and rotator cuff involvement. And the lead article in the Global Spine Journal has found that neck pain improved for many patients following laminoplasty.

Orthopedics is a consumer products industry. That’s a fact. But how well do we understand consumer thinking and how clearly do we see the influence consumers are exerting on orthopedic products and services? Global consulting and research powerhouse, McKinsey, tackled this question and found some sobering answers.

Foot and ankle patients are avoiding blood clots by “sheer luck” says a new study. Repairing the rotator cuff without addressing the scapula does patients a great disservice, says the head of Penn’s Center for Musculoskeletal Disorders. And the chief of orthopedics at CHOP discusses measures they have taken to redesign their fellowship program.