research

Dr WK Walter, Dr Zicat and Dr WL Walter jointly keep one of the most valuable surgery databases in the world. Specific information about every hip and knee replacement done is meticulously recorded. Patients should rest assured that all information kept is done so with Ethics Committee approval and is handled within current privacy guidelines.

The database has information about many thousands of operations which have been done since the database was first set up in the late 1980s. We have been able to do some very important quantitative analysis which has lead to greater understanding about the implants and techniques used for hip and knee arthroplasty. It is only by carefully collecting information over many years that the results of joint replacement surgery can be understood and improved; our group has made a huge contribution in this regard. This information has lead to important developments in implant design, materials and surgical techniques. Most importantly, our studies have lead to improvements in outcomes for our patients.

We will continue to pursue our interest in research. It is stimulating and both professionally and personally very rewarding to have the knowledge and insight which will shape the future of this type of surgery and outcomes for patients.