Introduction

Abstract

In their Preface to this book, the responsible investigators outlined why and how they set up the “Eurohip” project. Having secured the interest of a large group of orthopaedic surgeons and health services researchers from many parts of Europe, they needed to bring them together to discuss what key projects they should be undertake. We, the editors of this book, were charged with organising a meeting to help fulfil that aim. The meeting was held in the Hotel Sonnenalp, Ofterschwang, Germany in June 2000. It was attended by colleagues from Canada and other countries with expert knowledge and experience in research on the provision of hip replacement, in addition to members of the Eurohip group. Several presentations were made, and the excellent discussions that followed helped facilitate the development of Eurohip’s core projects.