Why should I be concerned about CAM?

According to a landmark study by David Eisenberg, MD, from Harvard Medical School, CAM usage is far more prevalent than previously reported. By extrapolation of the findings of a 1990 study, Eisenberg suggests that in that same year, Americans made an estimated 425 million visits to providers of unconventional therapies while the number of visits to all primary care physicians in the U.S. totaled 388 million.

A study in the August 21, 2001 Annals of Internal Medicine by Harvard Medical School researchers (Kessler et al, 2001 Aug 21; 135 (4): 262-8) examined trends in twenty different CAM modalities. This study related two major findings: complementary and alternative medicine is not just a passing fad; and CAM usage is not confined to one particular ethnicity, region or education level within society. As the population becomes increasingly more ethnically diverse, traditional healing systems and practices grow in demand.

Most CAM therapies are used to prevent illness or to promote health. In the majority of instances, the use of CAM modalities may persist for decades.

Orthopaedic surgeons should ask their patients about their use of unconventional therapies when taking a medical history. Some supplements may interact with prescription drug medications.