A clinical trial underway at St John of God Murdoch Hospital using a ceramic hip resurfacing implant is now attracting global interest, with some patients travelling from overseas for surgery.
The hospital’s head of orthopaedics, Professor Piers Yates, is the only WA surgeon involved in the trial of the new technique, which is aimed at giving patients longer-lasting relief from chronic hip pain.
Hip resurfacing involves capping the femoral head rather than removing it. It preserves the neck and most of the head of the thigh bone while replacing the worn cartilage with a ceramic cap on the top of the thighbone and a ceramic shell in the pelvic socket.
Already gaining global recognition, the trial has attracted patients worldwide, including a patient who travelled from Romania to undergo the procedure at the Murdoch hospital this month.
“The technology is only available in the UK, South Africa, and Australia, and the patient flew here,” Professor Yates said.
“This new implant has a low wear rate and preserves bone, so it should address some of the limitations of current metal on metal resurfacing designs, in particular allowing safer use of this type of implant in women due to the smaller sizes available, and avoids the concerns of metal on metal reactions.”
The procedure can help younger patients who might need future hip surgeries at a later age.
“Hip resurfacing is indicated for high activity, younger patients requiring replacement for arthritis, and allows them to return to any activity, including impact sport and running,” Professor Yates said.
Professor Yates and three other orthopaedic surgeons across Australia embarked on this pioneering trial four years ago, with Professor Yates the only Western Australian surgeon involved in the trial.
The surgeons’ selection was based on their extensive experience with hip resurfacing and previous collaboration with the implant company.
“The trial includes over 800 patients so far with extremely good results (98% success rate) at more than three years,” Professor Yates said.
“The trial will provide data so that the implant can be registered with the Therapeutic Goods Association, allowing it to be available for more surgeons to use.
“Australia is becoming the place of innovation and research, especially in orthopaedics, with the future of health care research shifting towards the private sector due to the sheer volume of patients.”
The trial will continue until the TGA approval is secured, which is expected shortly.
ED: Read more about hip resurfacing techniques on page 57 of the October edition of Medical Forum: mforum.com.au/emagazines