At the 1989 annual meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) in New Orleans, a group of Orthopaedic surgeons interested in the rehabilitation care of orthopaedic patients, met and formed an organization, the Orthopedic Rehabilitation Association. (ORA)

ORA had its first scientific meeting in San Antonio, Texas in November of 1989. After subsequent annual meetings, it applied for, and became, a full member of the AAOS Council of Musculoskeletal Specialties. (COMSS, now called the Board of Specialty Societies, BOS)

Members representing different areas of interest within the society have prepared scientific programs and symposia involving many areas including the following: Interdisciplinary care; Cerebrospastic disorders including TBI, Spinal Injury, Sports medicine, Neuromuscular Disorders, Amputations, Lower Extremity Problems of the Diabetic Patient, Care Post Tumor Surgery, Prosthetics, Orthotics, Robotics, and innovative scientific and Engineering Developments in Rehabilitation.

Regular membership is open to any member of AAOS demonstrating an interest in Orthopaedic rehabilitation. Other types of membership are available to trainees (residents and fellows), international orthopedics, other physicians, and allied health professionals working in the field. We invite you, as a person interested in the field, to apply for membership.