The Danish Hip Arthroplasty Register

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Biomaterials engineering
• Public health registries

Background:

• A national total hip replacement (THR) register was established in Denmark in 1995.
• The register captures primary THR, revisions, and follow-up data for a population of 5.3 million.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze trends in THR incidence and outcomes in Denmark.
• To evaluate implant survival rates and reasons for revision surgery.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from the Danish national THR register (1995-1998).
• Inclusion of 18,222 primary THR, 3,343 revisions, and 6,071 follow-ups.
• Assessment of functional outcomes using the Harris Hip Score.

Main Results:

• Primary THR incidence increased from 72 to 93 per 100,000 inhabitants (1995-1998).
• Aseptic loosening (63%) was the primary reason for revision surgery.
• Prosthesis survival after 3 years was approximately 97% for primary THR.

Conclusions:

• Total hip replacement surgery significantly improves pain and function.
• There is an increasing trend towards uncemented implants.
• Younger men with hybrid prostheses showed the lowest survival rates.