The orthopaedic profession and industry: conflict or convergence of interests

Many improvements in orthopaedic care have been enabled by the relationship that exists between the orthopaedic profession and the orthopaedic industry. This relationship is multifactorial and includes new technology development, medical education, orthopaedic research, and patient education. Acting individually and collectively, the profession and the industry advance their standing by focusing on improved patient care. Although the industry, the profession, and the patient have many shared interests, they also may have real or potential conflicts of interests. The patient's interest in the quality of treatment outcome is shared by the profession and industry. However, the interests of the profession may include issues related to the success of their practices, management of their time, and advancement of their skills. Industry's interests, in turn, include the support of their customers and the success of their businesses. Conflicts of interest between these parties are potentially neither avoidable nor undesirable. Managed well, the relationship of the orthopaedic profession and the industry achieves the goals of each while advancing patient care. As the profession and the industry each experience change, continued attention should be directed to ensuring that the interest of each is advanced only in the context of serving the interest of the patient with musculoskeletal disorders.