Workshop on "New Engineering Technology Transfer in Orthopaedic Surgery".

Abstract : This workshop was sponsored primarily by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeon (AAOS) to discuss the emerging technology of digital image graphics, robotics, and computer information and their potential impact on orthopaedic surgery in research, education and patient care. Because of the current pressure of health care reform and drastically reduced rates of medical reimbursement in both the private and public sectors, the relative merits and costs of these technologies were carefully assessed by all speakers and discussed by the participants. The objective of this workshop was to learn about current state-of the art developments and potential applications of these emerging technologies in orthopaedics from leaders in the field through careful assessment, rational prioritization and exploration. Break-out sessions were held in a rigorous format that successfully stimulated exchange of knowledge and future collaborative opportunities for research and development among the participants. Innovative ideas and application possibilities generated from the brain-storming exercises will be disseminated throughout this report and in a web site on the internet.