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Basic research for Japanese orthopedic surgery
J Orthop Sci (2004) 9:423 DOI 10.1007/s00776-004-0811-6
Editorial Basic research for Japanese orthopedic surgery Shin-ichi Kikuchi Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Fukushima Medical University, School of Medicine, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
Key words Orthopedic surgery · Basic research · Japan
The relation between clinical practice and basic research has greatly changed in recent years. Basic research is becoming more closely linked to clinical practice because it is essential to understand basic knowledge in order to explain procedures to patients, make diagnoses and design treatments. On the other hand, basic research has become specialized and subdivided to the extent that it is very difficult for medical doctors to understand it. Considering this background, I think the best path for us is to take advantage of the characteristics of Japanese orthopedic surgery. The characteristics of basic orthopedic research in Japan are such that we orthopedic surgeons have ourselves conducted basic research. This is to our credit, but it has a downside as well. Now it has become almost impossible for a medical doctor to perform high-level basic research. What to do in light of this difficulty is our current big problem. Clinical practice also has been changing a great deal; for example, a clear division of roles among medical
Offprint requests to: S. Kikuchi Received: May 17, 2004
facilities has been made, and the practice of evidencebased medicine has been introduced. We cannot live independently of our changing times. What is required is that we orthopedic surgeons achieve skills that combine “science” with “art.” We can satisfy patients only by treatments based on science but employing the techniques of art. To build a base of science is a challenging task for us orthopedic surgeons. Considering the high level of the latest research, our research systems and environment may offer disadvantages, but they can be an advantage as well. Some ideas can be obtained only through clinical practice, and some questions only clinicians can find answers to. In this way, our research system can be best utilized. Ideas from clinical practice and information from basic research can be exchanged at basic research meetings. We cannot utilize our advantage if we do things the same way that they are done in North America or Europe. In order to utilize our advantage, we should “Perform research on questions raised during clinical practice and clinically practice according to the results of basic research.” This is the theme of the 19th Annual Orthopaedic Research Meeting.
Editorial Basic research for Japanese orthopedic surgery Shin-ichi Kikuchi Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Fukushima Medical University, School of Medicine, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
Key words Orthopedic surgery · Basic research · Japan
The relation between clinical practice and basic research has greatly changed in recent years. Basic research is becoming more closely linked to clinical practice because it is essential to understand basic knowledge in order to explain procedures to patients, make diagnoses and design treatments. On the other hand, basic research has become specialized and subdivided to the extent that it is very difficult for medical doctors to understand it. Considering this background, I think the best path for us is to take advantage of the characteristics of Japanese orthopedic surgery. The characteristics of basic orthopedic research in Japan are such that we orthopedic surgeons have ourselves conducted basic research. This is to our credit, but it has a downside as well. Now it has become almost impossible for a medical doctor to perform high-level basic research. What to do in light of this difficulty is our current big problem. Clinical practice also has been changing a great deal; for example, a clear division of roles among medical
Offprint requests to: S. Kikuchi Received: May 17, 2004
facilities has been made, and the practice of evidencebased medicine has been introduced. We cannot live independently of our changing times. What is required is that we orthopedic surgeons achieve skills that combine “science” with “art.” We can satisfy patients only by treatments based on science but employing the techniques of art. To build a base of science is a challenging task for us orthopedic surgeons. Considering the high level of the latest research, our research systems and environment may offer disadvantages, but they can be an advantage as well. Some ideas can be obtained only through clinical practice, and some questions only clinicians can find answers to. In this way, our research system can be best utilized. Ideas from clinical practice and information from basic research can be exchanged at basic research meetings. We cannot utilize our advantage if we do things the same way that they are done in North America or Europe. In order to utilize our advantage, we should “Perform research on questions raised during clinical practice and clinically practice according to the results of basic research.” This is the theme of the 19th Annual Orthopaedic Research Meeting.