JOINT REPLACEMENT SURGERY

Not long ago, we labelled those with disabilities as ‘invalids.’ Individuals with rheumatic conditions, amputees, and the visually impaired fell under this classification. As people age or engage in physically demanding weight-bearing occupations, such as coal mining—their knees and hips often experience wear and tear. The resulting joint pain severely limits not only the mobility, but also the social life. Now disabled patients move about in wheelchair and walk pain free, thanks to the advent of joint replacement surgery.

Sir John Charnley, an English orthopaedic surgeon, pioneered the hip replacement operation in the 1960s. His groundbreaking technique relieved symptoms of osteoarthritis by removing the femoral head of the hip joint and replacing it with a socket and ball implant made of polythene and steel, anchored with acrylic cement. This procedure has since become the standard for hip replacement worldwide. Since then significant changes were made in the techniques and implant materials used for hip and knee replacement. Hips and knees are replaced most often in joint replacement surgery. Additionally, other joints that can be replaced include the shoulder, fingers, ankles and elbows.