New Ceramic Implant Could Bring Successful Hip Resurfacing Results
Hip resurfacing is performed only after a detailed medical charts review. The new H1 ceramic hip implant has shown promising results so far.
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Hip replacement surgery is now one of the popular procedures orthopedic surgeons perform. Just as for any other surgical intervention, medical charts review is an important consideration to determine whether the patient can undergo the procedure without any risk. Old as well as young patients undergo the same to gain relief from the pain associated with conditions such as severe hip osteonecrosis, hip arthritis and other complex hip problems. Total Hip Replacement and Hip Resurfacing with Metal-on-metal Implants In a total hip replacement, the damaged hip joint is completely replaced with an artificial one. Carried out typically on people in the age group 60 – 80, this procedure has been reported to fail in younger patients who lead more active lifestyles. For them, the stiff metal stem of the hip implant within their more flexible thigh bone could create problems. Now, surgeons are using the new technique of hip resurfacing that replaces only the weakened cartilage in the hip joint and resurfaces the joint with a metal-on-metal, ball and socket implant. A less invasive approach, hip resurfacing ensures greater mobility for the patient after surgery since more of the bone is left in the hip joint. •
Unfortunately, metal-on-metal implants deteriorate over time and the tiny metal particles released into the blood stream could lead to soreness and swelling in the surrounding tissue. This could ultimately lead to failure of the resurfacing implants and the need for revision surgery.
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Another concern is that women are unable to have hip resurfacing surgery because the metal implant doesn’t fit their hip bones properly, thus leading to higher failure rates. For women, total hip replacement has remained the only option available, irrespective of their age.
The Entry of Ceramic Hip Implants In an effort to address this concern, ceramic hip implants are now being tested on patients for hip resurfacing, and the results are promising. This experimental implant – H1 implant -- developed at Imperial College London, is made from a strong, non-toxic, low-wearing ceramic that is not expected to harm the surrounding tissue. It is suitable for the contours of both male and female hips. The clinical trial that was started at Charing Cross Hospital, which is part of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, is the first in the world to perform hip resurfacing surgery
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without using metal implants. 15 test subjects of both sexes and in the age group 18 to 70 underwent this surgery. These patients could return to physical activities such as walking, cycling and swimming within 6 weeks of their surgery. After three months they were able to resume activities they couldn’t do before such as gym work, dancing, and yoga. The next phase of the trial will involve 250 test subjects and will be carried out at hospitals across the UK and Europe. The patients will be followed up for 10 years to evaluate how their implants are performing. Among the newer types of prostheses used for hip replacement and resurfacing surgeries, ceramic hip implants offer more resistance to damage, and ensure smooth movement of the joint. They cause much less inflammation and fewer pseudotumors (benign cysts), according to many experienced surgeons. The clinical trial using the H1 ceramic hip implant at Charing Cross Hospital has the following objectives. •
To show that the ceramic implant is suitable for both and women (conventional hip resurfacing surgery is unsuitable for female patients.)
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The results of the investigation will lead to more effective treatment options for patients who need surgical hip replacement. This will help them return to an active, productive life.
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The H1 implant could also reduce the risks of hip surgery and save costs for the NHS.
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The new technique could also ensure patients a higher quality of life compared to conventional hip replacement surgery.
Defective hip implants have been at the center of product liability litigation in the United States with numerous lawsuits filed across the country. Most of these involve metal-on-metal implants that have harmed the patients, as established by a medical records review, and led to revision surgery and huge costs. This new implant that is believed to be a safe and efficient option is therefore very likely to become a popular option for hip resurfacing surgery on a global level. Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is sourced from reliable internet resources. The content doesn’t represent the opinion or recommendation of Managed Outsource Solutions (MOS). For professional medical opinion, please consult an experienced orthopedist.
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