Primary Total Hip and Total Knee Replacement in Osteoarthritis

Primary total hip and total knee replacement are very common and effective interventions for advanced hip and knee osteoarthritis. Proven implant designs and application techniques have contributed to very good long-term survival rates. Decision-making is influenced by increasing expectations of patients regarding quality of life as well as the potential impact of relevant comorbidities on treatment. Therefore, the implementation of patient-relevant outcomes has become more and more important. Interdisciplinary treatment concepts integrating enhanced recovery strategies and the application of clinical pathways in certified joint replacement centres (EndoCert (c)) are factors contributing to the overall outcome. Benchmark data is provided by several quality assurance measures, including the implementation of the German Arthroplasty Registry (EPRD (c)) established by the German Society for Orthopaedic Surgery (DGOOC). This report highlights the current healthcare situation regarding hip and knee arthroplasty in Germany including indication, surgical treatment approaches, implant selection and perioperative strategies.