It is difficult to quantify the effect that ODEP has had and for that matter whether it has been beneficial. Generally our feedback has been very positive. Below are some points that might be helpful in answering this question under different domains.

Safety – As at Autumn 2020 about 110 implants have for one reason or another left the market. Their ODEP submission may have been rejected, the implant may have been withdrawn from the market or their progress through the benchmarks may have lapsed and ODEP will have terminated their rating. Arguably but probably true, is the fact that ODEP has deterred manufacturers from keeping products on the market that do not perform well.

Benefit to Patients – We are aware that patients visit this website. We know that a lot of patients ask their surgeons whether they will be having an ODEP rated joint replacement. ODEP identifies the implants that perform well as well as those that perform less well. The rigorous, data-driven ODEP process means those with a poor performance record are less likely to remain within the ODEP rating system.

Manufacturers – ODEP is a voluntary process with which manufacturers do not need to engage unless they want to, but since its inception ODEP has received well over 1000 submissions from manufacturers for their implants. Since knees and shoulders joined ODEP approximately 300 submissions are received each year. Manufacturers often use their ODEP ratings in their advertising.

Surgeons – In the UK surgeons are encouraged to use ODEP rated implants. Their percentage use of ODEP rated products is in the public domain and in the future it will form part of their personal appraisals.

GIRFT – (Getting It Right First Time) recommends that surgeons should use at least ODEP 10A rated implants. GIRFT uses ODEP ratings extensively in its reports. Since GIRFT has been in existence the revision rate for joint replacements has significantly reduced and, apart from the obvious benefits to patients, the financial savings to the healthcare system have been significant.

Procurement – Many hospitals will now only purchase ODEP rated products.

World wide use – The hospitals in very many countries use ODEP benchmarks when deciding on which implants they should purchase. ODEP regularly receives inquiries from around the world and the map below shows how often in 2019 our website was visited and information from it downloaded.

The Orthopaedic Associations – The BOA (British Orthopaedic Association), the BHS (British Hip society), BASK (British Society for surgery of the Knee), BESS (British Elbow and Shoulder Society) all support ODEP.

EFORT – recognises the advantages of the ODEP process and are recommending that a similar system be introduced across the EU.