S3016 THE SWEDISH KNEE ARTHROPLASTY REGISTER

Abstract

Aims: Realizing the problems of choosing the optimal treatment at the time of rapid development of knee implants and surgery complicated with low individual volume and long follow-up time the orthopaedic profession initiated the Swedish Knee Arthroplasty Register in 1975. Methods: All centres performing knee arthroplasty in Sweden participate in the project and the unique ID number provided to all Swedish citizens allows for tracking of the vast majority of patients. Survival statistics using revision as an end-point have been used to estimate the cumulative revision rate (CRR) of different implants and methods and postal inquiries to gather information on patient satisfaction and health. Results: The register has proved beneficial in a number of ways: Research: It is a base of information that can provide data for direct analyses or be used to facilitate separate studies. Quality:Surgeons have been warned of inferior implants, technically demanding implants, diseases not to be treated with certain methods and specifics methods of treatment. Control and comparison helps decision-making and increases the probability for appropriate choices. Guidance: Surgeons can be guided regarding preferred techniques, implant- and patient-selection and patients can be guided regarding what to expect (risk evaluation), why specific methods are to be preferred and when to wait or proceed with surgery. Political/economical benefits:Purchasers of medical treatment, are more willing to provide financial means when; effects of previous financing can be shown, the results can be documented, improvement in quality can be demonstrated and future trends can be predicted. Conclusions: The register has helped improve quality, guide surgeons and patients and benefited the orthopaedic profession as well as the nation as a whole.