No need for repeat surgeries: Researchers have identified the strongest materials for hip prosthetics.

Sometimes, after hip replacement surgery, the journey doesn't end there, and patients may have to undergo an additional costly corrective procedure. To prevent such situations, researchers have compiled a list of durable materials for the most resilient prosthetics.

https://focus.ua/technologies/677681-povtornye-operacii-ne-potrebuyutsya-uchenye-nazvali-samye-prochnye-materialy-dlya-protezov-bedra2024-11-09 07:44:36

A study conducted under the guidance of the University of Bristol revealed that hip implants with delta ceramic or oxidized zirconium heads, combined with highly cross-linked polyethylene (HCLPE) liners, are the most durable and exhibit the lowest revision rates over a 15-year period. The findings could assist hospitals, surgeons, and patients in making more informed decisions regarding the selection of hip implants, according to News Medical.

The research, published in the journal PLOS Medicine, constituted a large-scale analysis of data from the National Joint Registry (NJR), encompassing over one million hip replacement cases performed in both public and private medical facilities across England and Wales from 2003 to 2019. The aim of the study was to identify the implant materials with the highest and lowest risks of revision surgery.

Revisions—repeat surgeries required to address issues with the original implant—are complex, costly, and can negatively impact patients' long-term quality of life. The study indicated that the longevity of an implant is largely influenced by the material of the bearing surface, which pertains to the interacting surfaces within its connection. The lowest revision risk was associated with implants where delta ceramic or oxidized zirconium heads were combined with HCLPE liners.

During the study, only 2% of patients required a revision surgery, highlighting the potential advantages of using these materials in terms of longevity. Dr. Eric Langerhand, a senior lecturer in medical statistics at Bristol and author of the study, commented on the findings: "The risk of hip implant revision depends on the materials used for implantation, and we have identified the best ones."

His colleague, Professor Michael Whitehouse, added that the extensive NJR data provides broader insights than smaller studies, emphasizing the importance of evaluating the entire implant design rather than isolated components, as is often the case. Additionally, NJR medical director Tim Wilton noted the value of the registry's data for long-term assessments, stating that it offers "meaningful analysis for decision-making by surgeons and patients." However, Wilton cautioned against the immediate application of the findings in practice, as the study was observational rather than randomized controlled, meaning that other risk factors may not have been fully isolated.

In any case, the implications of these results are significant, as hip replacement remains a common procedure for conditions like osteoarthritis: in the UK alone, over 110,000 such procedures are performed annually. With the demand for hip implants on the rise and projected to increase by nearly 40% by 2060, choosing implants with a lower risk of required revision could benefit both healthcare systems and patients by reducing the frequency and costs associated with such surgeries for everyone.

This material is for informational purposes only and does not contain advice that could affect your health. If you are experiencing issues, please consult a specialist.