Abstract
The use of arthroplasty registers was initiated by Sweden in 1979. The practice has been adopted globally as best practice for recording the outcome of joint replacement surgery and for identifying early problems. The Trent and Wales Arthroplasty Audit Group began in 1990 and have recently produced outcome results. We have analysed the short-term outcomes of arthroplasty procedures at a DGH in order to assess comparability to this “gold-standard”.
In 2004, 231 primary arthroplasties were performed, by the two senior authors, at Musgrove Park Hospital (149 THR, 82 TKR). There was an overall complication rate of 8.7%. There was 1 periprosthetic infection in a THR that required revision (0.043%). 9 patients developed wound complications, principally superficial infections and haematoma formation. 2 patients, both THR developed, thromboembolic complications, one DVT and one pulmonary embolus. There was one periprosthetic fracture around a THR. The dislocation rate for THR was 3.35% (5/149). 3 of these were performed through a posterior approach and 2 through an anterolateral. 3 have required revision surgery.
We have demonstrated comparable results following joint arthroplasty to published teaching hospital series. We have shown that adequate infrastructure can exist in smaller units to accurately record outcome data following arthroplasty surgery.
The abstracts were prepared by Mr D J Bracey. Correspondence should be addressed to him c/o Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust, Truro, Cornwall TR1 3LJ
