The Louisiana Orthopaedic Association (LOA) is the state society of orthopaedic surgeons in Louisiana. The LOA is an affiliated state society of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Orthopaedic surgeons are concerned with the diagnosis, care, and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. The orthopaedic surgeon’s scope of practice includes disorders of the body's bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons.