Fig. 1A–F.

Kaplan-Meier (KM, black) and cumulative incidence (CI, gray) estimates of the probability of the occurrence of an event of interest over time are shown according to the total proportion of patients experiencing a competing event noted at the top of each graph (exponential independent latent failure times model). (A) 2% competing events (B) 5% competing events (C) 10% competing events (D) 20% competing events (E) 33% competing events, and (F) 50% competing events. As the frequency of the competing event starts to exceed 10% and the followup duration goes beyond 10 years, the competing event results in substantial overestimation of the outcome of interest. Competing events = The occurrence of events (such as death) that would preclude the later occurrence of an event of interest (such as implant revision). Probability of outcome = The probability of the occurrence of an outcome of interest (such as implant revision), given the proportion of patients experiencing a competing event (such as death).