Orthopod or orthogod? A prospective questionnaire study of post-operative patients' impressions of orthopaedic surgeons.

A questionnaire that challenged various stereotypes within the medical profession that are attached to orthopaedic surgeons was distributed to two groups of post-operative trauma in-patients: those with osteoporotic fractures and a much younger and active group. The results are presented here in a format that allows the reader to draw his/her own conclusions as to how 'orthopods' are perceived by their patients.