At Valley Orthopedic Associates, we have created and maintained a total joint registry prospectively following up patients undergoing primary and revision total hip arthroplasty and primary and revision total knee arthroplasty. The purpose of such a registry is to capture all information regarding patients undergoing these procedures. By doing this we can analyze in the future as well as in the present the results of certain types of procedures, compare different procedures and implants to determine which is most likely to produce the best outcome. Since we have such a high volume of surgery each year we are able to accrue significant numbers in a relatively short period of time and therefore obtain objective information regarding best possible treatment algorithms.
To that end, we are initiating a prospective randomized clinical trial comparing total hip arthroplasties performed via an anterior approach with those done through a posterior approach using the same implant system, surgeon, and keeping variables such as preoperative management, postoperative management, and anesthetic type constant. We will be analyzing the results of speed of recovery, use of pain medication, and return to work and or activity. This study is due to begin in the second quarter of 2009. For more information you can contact Shelly Turner at Valley Orthopedic Associates 425-656-5060, extension 3063.
This registry sounds like a fantastic way to organize patient data. I wish you the best of luck with that now and in the future.