BackgroundCertification according to EndoCert in the field of arthroplasty in Germany aims at standardization of treatment and with this optimization of its quality. However, huge capital investment and efforts are necessary. There are currently more than 400 certified centres in Germany. Our Department of Orthopaedics at a German medical school was certified in the pilot phase. The aim of this study was to analyse whether there was a difference in the quality in the year after the certification. A second aim was to analyse whether the defined quality criteria are adequate for a university hospital.