Background: It is well known that morbidity rates of arthroplasties are inversely related to procedure volume. In the department of orthopaedics at a German medical school, a performance of certification of high-volume center for total hip and knee arthroplasties, called the EndoCert(®) Initiative, was started. This project was initiated by the German society of orthopaedic surgery (DGOOC) to secure the quality of total knee and hip arthroplasties.
Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate effects of certification, pathwaycontrolled therapy and quality indicators on outcome in arthroplasty three years after implentation.
Materials and methods: Arthroplasties performed in this certified center for total hip and knee arthroplasties were evaluated. Outcome was evaluated after the implementation of quality indicators and clinical pathways.
Results: After establishment of certification in the center for total hip and knee arthroplasties morbidity rates decreased as quality increased.
Conclusion: The implementation of pathway-controlled therapy and quality indicators in a high-volume center for total joint arthroplasties shows better clinical results. Capital investment and efforts are legitimated.