Both the Texas Orthopaedic Association (TOA) and American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) have addressed the opioid crisis at recent meetings.

Austin orthopaedic surgeon David Ring, MD, PhD presented at TOA’s 2017 Annual Conference: “The Opioid Crisis: The Future Role of Orthopaedic Surgeons in Solving the Crisis.”

Dr. Ring shared a pain relief video at the conference:

AAOS has produced a pain relief toolkit that orthopaedic surgeons may find to be valuable.

In addition, AAOS created a preoperative screening questionnaire

The Texas Legislature passed legislation in May 2017 that will require orthopaedic surgeons to check the state’s prescription drug monitoring database (PDMP) for controlled substances beginning on September 1, 2019.  TOA expects to work with policymakers on this issue in the months leading up to the 2019 Texas Legislature.