Orthopaedic Surgery/Hand:Top ten ways to stay out of trouble

• 10.Have the patient take responsibility for their rehabilitation
• 9.Have data to support your decisions
• 8.Consult frequently
• 7.Communicate clearly and often
• 6.Evaluate the whole person
• 5.Be conservative in complex cases
• 4.When there is a choice, the simpler option is often the best
• 3.Do not empower a symptom by labeling it a disease
• 2.Observe more, do less
• 1.Needs of the patient come first

http://www.handsurgery.org/newsletters/winter2003/winter2003.pdf