Joint registries: what can we learn in 2016?

To demonstrate, with concrete examples, the value of in-depth exploration and comparison of data published in National Joint Arthroplasty registry reports.

The author reviewed published current reports of National Joint Arthroplasty registries for findings of current significance to current orthopaedic practice.

A total of six observations that demonstrate actionable or unexpected findings from joint registries are described. These include: one third to one half of all arthroplasty failures in the first decade occur in the first one to two years; infection rates after arthroplasty have not declined in the last three decades; infection after TKA is more common in men than women; outcomes of TKA are more variable in young compared with older patients; new technologies (uncemented implants and crosslinked polyethylene) have improved results of THA and a real-time shift in use of ceramic femoral heads is occurring in THA.

These six observations may be used to better understand current practice, stimulate practice improvements or suggest topics for further study. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B(1 Supple A):3-7.