Hip replacements — developing new evaluation methods
| Location: | Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London and School of Engineering Sciences, University of Southampton. |
|---|---|
| Amount: | £38,911 |
| Status: | Research completed |
| Start Date: | 1st August 2001 |
| Finish Date: | 31st December 2003 |
| Grantholder: | Dr N Saffari, CEng, CPhys, MIEE, MInstP, Dr M Taylor, PhD, and Dr M Browne, PhD. |
| Research worker: | Mr E Bonner and Dr Livshics |
Hip replacements have a limited lifespan and in 18% of cases a repeat operation is required at a cost of £32 million. This also limits the effectiveness of hip replacement for younger people.
This team aims to develop novel ultrasonic evaluation methods for predicting the performance of the stem/bone cement interface for a particular prosthesis design. In this way, newly designed implants can be assessed at the development stage with a view to reducing the incidence of loosening and the resulting need for revision surgery. Ultimately this should lead to fewer operations, longer lasting implants and will allow younger patients to be treated. In addition, the Health Service will benefit financially due to the lower incidence of revision surgery.
