The objects of SICOT as defined in its Constitution are:

“The object of this non-profit organization is to promote the advancement of the science and art of orthopedics and traumatology at international level in particular for the improvement of patient care; to foster and develop teaching, research and education; to facilitate and encourage exchange of professional experience and to promote good fellowship among its members.”

To achieve these aims, SICOT may develop all means to disseminate orthopedic knowledge and expertise. The education program includes its publications, the SICOT scientific congresses and the Education Centres.

In all these actions, SICOT maintains total neutrality in terms of nationalities, political engagements, philosophies, religions, cultures, and interactions with industries. SICOT requests from the authors publishing in its publications or presenting any material during the scientific meetings to respect the same neutrality and moreover disclose any information (complication, side-effect,…) which may be detrimental to the patient. The authors are urged to declare any conflict of interest. In case of infringement of these rules, they may be excluded from future scientific programs and SICOT will be free to publicize the infringement in the scientific and professional world.

SICOT does not provide any financial support to its members except for the reimbursement of expenses incurred in the execution of missions or following specific invitations to SICOT meetings.

With regards to the industries, SICOT recognizes that specific technologies developed by certain companies require specialized information and training that the respective companies are the most able to deliver. However, they should observe the same rules applied to the scientific authors, especially in regard to disclosure of any information which could be detrimental to the patient.

For certain educational events, industry support may be provided but must be clearly disclosed as such. They must follow the procedures outlined in AdvaMed[1] and Eucomed[2].

Beside these specific statements SICOT endorse in its general code of conduct: the WMA International Code of Medical Ethics (2006); the Convention of Oviedo (1999) and in medical research the Declaration of Helsinki (2013).

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[1] AdvaMed: code of ethics on interactions with healthcare professional (2009)
[2] Eucomed: Eucomed guidelines on interactions with healthcare professionals (2008)