The Trent regional arthroplasty study

Abstract

We have assessed the usefulness of a regional hip register in the assessment of the outcome of primary total hip replacement (THR). Over 97% of THRs performed in the Trent region in 1990 were captured onto the register and the inaccuracies recorded were less than 1.8%. In an independent assessment of 2111 patients five years after THR, 85.9% of those available for assessment responded, and 66.8% agreed to an assessment.

The cost of this independent assessment at five years, utilising a regional hip register, was approximately £50 per implant. This is a reasonable outlay to identify problems early. Some form of registration and outcome assessment should be performed on a national level.