Arthroplasty Register of the Valdoltra Orthopaedic Hospital and implant retrieval program

Abstract

Introduction: Following the example of Scandinavian arthroplasty registries, we have established the Arthroplasty Register of the Valdoltra Orthopaedic Hospital in 2002 in order to assure the acquisition of objective results of arthroplasty treatment and longterm follow-up of clinical results. Th e Register comprises all primary and revision hip and knee surgeries. For that purpose, special forms and a date-base have been developed. Based on the analysis of the data given in the forms, annual reports are prepared. Our Register is special in that it includes the implant retrieval program for explanted prosthetic components and periprosthetic tissue samples. Th e collected samples are the basis for various research analyses aimed to reveal changes on the surface of the component and in the periprosthetic tissue, induced during in vivo functioning of the prosthesis. Conclusions: Arthroplasty Register of the Valdoltra Orthopaedic Hospital represents a valuable source of information for scientifi c, data-based analysis of arthroplasty treatments. There are numerous advantages of Arthroplasty register, the most important among them being the possibility of long-term follow-up of individual types of prostheses and early recognition of possible deviations from the expected results and subsequent fast reaction, i.e. alarm.