The annual cost of lower-limb arthroplasty (mainly hip and knee replacement) in the UK is £2,500,000,000. The annual, direct cost of managing early failures of these is £250,000,000 and the medical-legal bill for implant issues is £150,000,000; the cause of failure is often unexplained.
To understand the reasons behind failures, our research group has collected over 10,000 failed spine, hip and knee implants removed from patients in 29 countries, together with comprehensive medical imaging (X-rays, CT and MRI scans) and clinical data for each patient.
We analyse these components using metrology equipment to characterise their surface topography and determine how they have worn and corroded. This data is statistically compared with clinical information about the patient and surgery to identify the mechanisms and risk factors for failure; these are often multifactorial, involving surgeon, implant and patient (SIP) risk factors.
The knowledge generated from our research has impacted surgeons, manufacturers, regulators and patients. Please navigate through the examples here of some of the ways in which we have made an impact (using the arrows). Click on each example to be directed to the published paper referred to.
