Ética médica y cirugía ortopédica y traumatología

Abstract

Objective: To analyse in the context of Orthopaedic Surgery some ethical issues related to the physician-patient relationship (respect for the patient�s beliefs, the ethics of reasonable bargaining, issues with geriatric patients and malpractice and medical error). Attention is also given to problems related to technological development, «enhancement», the use of sham interventions, and finally, the potential conflicts of interest between orthopaedic surgeon and the prosthesis industry. Design: Analysis of the main general medical ethics guidelines, and also of some specific guidelines published by speciality organisations, such as the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Conclusions: The ethics of Orthopaedic Surgery is consistent with that of medicine in general. Professional ethics means better professional practice, improves the physician-patient relationship, and creates a more humane and trustworthy environment. Orthopaedic surgeons, both at the individual level and as members of professional organizations are responsible for the humanitarian and scientific quality of the health-care they dispense