The impact of complementary and alternative treatment modalities on the care of orthopaedic patients.

The use of complementary and alternative medicine is widespread and popular with the lay public. Although prevalence of use varies among specific patient populations, complementary and alternative medicine, in particular herbal remedies, are widely marketed and used by orthopaedic patients. Herbal supplements can have a negative impact on the perioperative period and may interact with conventional medicines used to manage chronic conditions.

Underreporting of complementary and alternative medicine use among arthritis patients in an orthopedic clinic.

Underreporting of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use can negatively affect patient care. The degree of such underreporting in a clinical orthopedic setting was assessed in a cross-sectional study of 50 patients with osteoarthritis by administering a standard medical history and then a specific CAM-use questionnaire. Of these patients, 70% were using CAM, and 64% underreported CAM use on the standard medical history.