Integrative Medicine as an Adjunct to Orthopaedic Surgery

Patients often seek nontraditional forms of treatment, including alternative/complementary medical options, such as chiropractic care and acupuncture, to meet their personal needs. In the United States, interest has grown in methods to reduce pain and improve function through Ayurvedic medicine, which uses plant-based supplements, such as turmeric. Traditional allopathic medicine attempts to provide patients with evidence-based therapeutic regimens for their musculoskeletal conditions. Integrative medicine often is used to prevent and manage the sequelae associated with injuries and illnesses; however, competitive athletes and military personnel use complementary medicine for performance enhancement. Thus, physicians should be aware of the evolving field of integrative medicine, including the reported benefits as well as any potential drawbacks, to facilitate an educated discussion with their patients.