Volunteer opportunities for orthopaedic surgeons in the developing world.

ABSTRACT

Orthopaedic surgeons have consistently shown interest in volunteering to aid needy populations throughout the world. Service missions, building surgical capacity, and disaster relief have benefited from the volunteer efforts of orthopaedic surgeons. The burden of musculoskeletal disease is high and will continue to increase as motorization and development reach more people. The increasing burden of musculoskeletal disease requires thoughtful, well-planned, and effectively executed interventions. A framework for action will help orthopaedic surgeons use the many avenues available for involvement in international volunteer work.