Rheumatology Update speaks with Professor Richard de Steiger, orthopaedic surgeon, and the Epworth Victor Smorgon Chair of Surgery at The University of Melbourne. Professor de Steiger is also deputy director of the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry, which marks its 20th anniversary this year. He spoke with Lydia Hales.

What are some significant changes that have occurred in joint replacement and outcomes since the registry began?

Professor de Steiger: We collect the outcomes of all hip, knee, and shoulder joint replacements. We’ve got about 1.5 million records; it’s the largest registry in Australia by a country mile.

I would highlight identification of underperforming devices and making sure they get off the market.