Origins and Impact of the Kaiser Permanente Database, with Special Guests Ron Navarro, MD, FAAOS, FAOA, and Kanu Okike, MD, MPH.

Kanu Okike

MD, MPH

Orthopaedic Traumatologist, Kaiser Permanente

View More

Ronald Navarro

MD, FAAOS, FAOA

Professor, Kaiser Permanente

Marc Swiontkowski

MD, FAOA

Professor, University of Minnesota

Mohit Bhandari

FRCSC, PhD

Distinguished University Professor, Chair of Surgery, McMaster University

The episode traces the evolution of the Kaiser Permanente orthopedic registries, from an early ambition to match academic output to a sophisticated data platform spanning hip, knee, shoulder, ACL, and hip fracture surgery. The guests describe how minimal-burden data entry, long-term follow-up, and partnership with skilled epidemiologists enabled high-quality observational research capable of influencing practice—such as shifting hemiarthroplasty fixation toward cementation. They emphasize the cultural conditions allowing unbiased inquiry, the complementarity between registries and randomized trials, and the ongoing need to elevate registry science within evidence hierarchies to accelerate meaningful, system-wide change.