In Finland, waiting lists have been analyzed country-wide several times during the last two decades. In this presentation, the data obtained are reviewed. The orthopedic waiting lists grew threefold from 1969 to 1987, more rapidly than the total waiting list to hospitals in the country. Meanwhile, the average duration of hospitalization decreased. The reliability and problems of data bases available are discussed; it is concluded that especially the studies on waiting lists need new objective methods.