#United States #Washington #AAOS #Orthopaedic Research #PRORP

AAOS Celebrates Restoration of PRORP Funding

The American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) has expressed gratitude following Congress's recent decision to restore funding for the Department of Defense's Peer Reviewed Orthopaedic Research Program (PRORP). This restoration comes after a troubling elimination of the program in Fiscal Year (FY) 2025, and the renewed allocation of $20 million for FY2026 comes as part of the broader Department of Defense appropriations passed on February 3.

Since its inception in 2009, the PRORP has been pivotal in delivering both short- and long-term healthcare solutions for injured warfighters and veterans. The innovations generated through this program often extend beyond the military, offering new treatment options to the general public. Ned Amendola, MD, FAAOS, FRCSC, DABOS, President of AAOS, stated, "PRORP was designed to address one of the most significant challenges faced by service members: extremity injuries. Today, it has developed into a competitive grant program, bringing cutting-edge technologies to military and civilian patients alike."

The restoration of PRORP funding is seen as more than just a financial boost; it is a safeguard for state-of-the-art musculoskeletal care and a promise for future advancements in research. AAOS looks forward to collaborating with lawmakers and advocates to ensure the continued support of this essential program and to deliver innovative treatments to those in need.

Advancements Born from PRORP

To date, PRORP has funded over 355 groundbreaking studies, contributing to significant innovations in areas such as prosthetics research, non-opioid pain management, and preventive strategies for orthopaedic injuries experienced in the line of duty. Extremity injuries constitute nearly half of all injuries sustained during active military service, often leading to long-term disabilities or the need for extensive rehabilitation. Without programs like PRORP, substantial gaps in biomedical research would likely continue, adversely affecting the quality of life for many patients.

Following challenging budgetary cuts in FY2025, members of AAOS and participating orthopaedic surgeons actively campaigned to reinstate funding through letters, shared patient stories, and pivotal meetings with legislators. The collective effort reflected a strong commitment to ensuring that critical research programs like PRORP receive the support necessary to enhance warfighter readiness and care quality.

The Path Ahead

The AAOS remains steadfast in its advocacy for the complete restoration of PRORP. By doing so, it hopes to improve not only the outcomes for warfighters and veterans but also enhance access to high-quality musculoskeletal care for civilians. In a landscape where advocacy and legislative support are crucial, the work of the AAOS and its members is vital in shaping policy in favor of enhanced healthcare innovations.

AAOS's Office of Government Relations plays a significant role in this process, ensuring that the orthopaedic community's voice is heard before federal and state agencies. Based in Washington, D.C., alongside staff in Rosemont, Illinois, this office is dedicated to promoting health policy initiatives that position the AAOS as a trusted leader in advancing musculoskeletal health for all.

For more insights into AAOS's advocacy efforts and initiatives, you can visit AAOS Advocacy and follow their updates on X and LinkedIn.