DART – German Register of Arthroscopy

In Germany over 400.000 arthroscopic surgeries are performed per year, which makes it the mostly used operative technique. By using a web-based automated patient’s questionnaires, the objective of the DART is to conduct a broad and long term measurement (assessment) of the postoperative results after arthroscopic surgery.
This data will then be used to gain quality assurance of surgical procedures as well as serving as a basis for further research. Different modules are provided to administer the patient’s data, depending on the operated joint (shoulder, hip, knee).
DART is accessible to all doctors, who are performing arthroscopic surgeries. The participation in DART basic does not require an application for ethical approval. Nevertheless prior to participating in DART science in most German states (according to the professional code) an authorization by the local ethics committee must be granted. Acknowledgement of the terms of use of DART is a mandatory requirement in order to join the assessments. DART is happy to support the initiation of the registration process and approval procedures.
DART is an initiative of the Society of arthroscopy and joint surgery (AGA), the professional Association of Arthroscopy (BVASK) as well as the Society of Orthopaedics and Traumatic Sports Medicine (GOTS) in cooperation with the German Society of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery (DGOU).