A Review of Databases Used in Orthopaedic Surgery Research and an Analysis of Database Use in Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate how database use has changed over time in Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery and to inform readers about available databases used in orthopaedic literature.

Methods: An extensive literature search was conducted to identify databases used in Arthroscopy and other orthopaedic literature. All articles published in Arthroscopy between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2015, were reviewed. A database was defined as a national, widely available set of individual patient encounters, applicable to multiple patient populations, used in orthopaedic research in a peer-reviewed journal, not restricted by encounter setting or visit duration, and with information available in English.

Results: Databases used in Arthroscopy included PearlDiver, the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, the Danish Common Orthopaedic Database, the Swedish National Knee Ligament Register, the Hospital Episodes Statistics database, and the National Inpatient Sample. Database use increased significantly from 4 articles in 2013 to 11 articles in 2015 (P = .012), with no database use between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2012.

Conclusions: Database use increased significantly between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2015, in Arthroscopy.

Level of evidence: Level IV, systematic review of Level II through IV studies.