Orthopedics Data Compendium: Use, Cost, and Market Structure for Total Joint Replacement

Total joint replacement (TJR) of diseased or disabled knees and hips using artificial implants offers dramatic improvements in functional ability and quality of life to hundreds of thousands of patients each year. TJR represents the largest single category of hospital care (Diagnosis Related Group) for Medicare beneficiaries and is spreading rapidly to younger patients who seek better mobility and less chronic pain than earlier generations.

This 2006 report summarizes the principal sources of information available on patterns of use, expenditure, and market structure for total joint replacement and related orthopedic devices. Emphasis is placed on national and, where available, California data, for both the most recent years and for trends over time.