Abstract
The value of joint registries is to (1) provide large scale longitudinal follow-up of classes of implants and individual implants—thereby providing potential for improved performance—and (2) serve as a tripwire for unexpected problem implants which is well appreciated. The purpose of this talk is not to reiterate the value of joint arthroplasty registries, but rather to look at several key findings from joint registries around the world and discuss what these mean for orthopaedic surgery today.
Observation #1: Registries can tell us where the biggest problems are so we can act on them: Example: Early failures—those occurring in the first two years—account for about half of all failures by ten years. Early failures consist of mainly technically related problems and infections. If we can reduce these problems, we can reduce the number of patients having a second surgery after joint replacement by almost half. For one type of early failure (infection), the registry data show rate of infection after THA and TKA has not declined substantially in the last 20 years. We need major innovation in this area to solve this problem. On the other hand, registry data show early failures in older patients after THA are often due to periprosthetic femur fracture: we can solve this problem now with choice of stem fixation or prophylactic wires in high risk patients.
Observation #2: Innovation can and does work! It is not correct to suggest that no new implants have led to improved results. Example: Registry data demonstrate that cross-linked polyethylene bearings have reduced the risk of revision after THA dramatically, especially in younger patients.
Observation #3: Gathering more detailed information, such as patient reported outcomes, at least on limited samples of patients, can provide further insights. Example: Registry data demonstrate much greater variability in clinical outcomes of TKA in younger patients compared to older patients.
Observation #4: Having national registries from different countries provides synergistic information. Example: Combining data from several national registries provides information on performance of femoral heads of different diameter and material that are not available from just one source.
Observation #5: Registries may provide unexpected information that opens unexpected avenues for study. Example: Several registries demonstrate men have a 1.5–2 times higher risk of infection after TKA. We did not know this before. Why is this? Can we reduce it?
