Abstract
Background The study aims to evaluate whether the postoperative outcome and the probability
of complications of patients with total hip arthroplasty increases significantly when
surgeons in training are in charge, assisted by a high volume surgeon, compared to
a highly experienced orthopaedic surgeon, within the context of a high volume hospital
certified to EndoCert.
Material and Methods 192 patients with a primary hip arthroplasty were included. To assess the outcome,
the Harris Hip Score, WOMAC, SF-36 and EuroQol-5D were surveyed pre- and 12 months
postoperatively. As complications we considered the quality indicators defined by
EndoCert.
Results We found significant improvements in the postoperative score values with the qualifications
of the surgeon in charge, even when a high volume surgeon or a surgeon in training
was responsible. If a surgeon in training is assisted by a highly experienced surgeon,
the risk of complications does not increase, although the operating time was significantly
increased.
Conclusion Both the surgeon in training as well as the arthroplasty patient benefit from implementing
the EndoCert system, because the postoperative outcome and the complication probability
is independent of the qualifcation of the operating orthopaedic surgeon performing
total hip arthroplasty when assisted by an experienced surgeon.
Key words
training - EndoCert - total hip arthroplasty - postoperative outcome - risk of complications
