Extract
Orthopaedic surgery has a rich history of introducing new procedures and
new technology into the profession for clinical practice. Orthopaedic surgeons
have become much more innovative and successful in treating a variety of
musculoskeletal diseases and injuries with improved implants and biologics.
This article focuses on the ethics of the introduction of new technology, with
bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) and platelet concentrations used as primary
examples.With the introduction of any new product or new procedure, ethical concerns
are raised. They include questions about (1) the responsibility of surgeons to
their patients and to medical progress, (2) the responsibility of the product
manufacturer, and (3) the responsibility of a payer to the physician or
medical institution.