UK needs a national arthroplasty register
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
The debate continues on the need for a national arthroplasty register in the UK. Surgeons are finding it increasingly difficult to select prostheses since clinical testing in the UK prior to the launch of an implant is not necessary. A national arthroplasty register would provide an unbiased scientific evaluation of any total joint replacement, but would involve a lot of work, according to a letter in the BMJ (July 13th). Correct use of resources and services should lead to higher efficiency and improved clinical practice. Follow-up would include clinical and survival studies and assessment of patient satisfaction.