NHS joint replacements surgery 'among best in world'
- Published: 02 September 2008 14:40
- Author: Tom Downey
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- Last Updated: 02 September 2008 14:40
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Hip and knee replacement procedures in England are among the best in the world, according to data from the National Joint Registry.
In a study of over 150,000 cases by the Royal College of Surgeons, researchers found that only one in 75 patients required further surgery within three years.
The figures compare favourably to statistics from other countries including Norway, Australia and Sweden – where success rates are lower.
John Black, president of the Royal College of Surgeons, praised the efforts of NHS staff. 'Hip and knee replacements are among the most commonly performed surgical operations in the country,' he said. 'These good results are a credit to the nation's orthopaedic surgeons and their teams.'
Information from the National Joint Registry has been instrumental in providing an improved service, said Bill Darling, chairperson of the registry's steering committee. 'We are justifiably proud that the NJR can influence improvements in practice,' he said.
