There is a need for a total joint registry in the United States

Implications: The AAOS has established the need for a total joint registry however there are financial and legal hurdles that must be overcome. The value of total joint registries have been realized in Europe and Australia with a significant reduction in the revision rate of implants. A joint registry can provide an early warning system on issues or problems related to a particular implant design or surgical technique. With the rising cost of healthcare, a registry in the United States can be a cost effective use of our limited healthcare resources. If the data can be delivered to the orthopedic community in a timely and understandable fashion, it should and will influence the surgeon's behavior and decision making such that patients and society are benefited.

Analysis: In view of the recent issues with the Durom hip prosthesis and other "problematic" implants, such as squeaky metal on metal hip replacements, the development of a U.S joint registry will provide an early warning system. The implication for the orthopedic industry is that the data collected will allow for comparison of clinical results of similar implants, comparison of revision rates and patient outcomes. This information can potentially impact market share and utilization of a particular device