• 'Nano pit' technique to extend life of hip replacements
    15 replies, posted
[QUOTE]A Scottish team of biologists, nanoengineers and surgeons has come up with a new technique which could mean hip replacements that last a lifetime. The researchers want to coat key surfaces with a "nanopattern" pitted plastic to encourage stem cells to form bone in contact with the new joint. The system aims to combat problems with the body forming soft tissues around hip replacements. Work is under way to develop prototype devices over the coming years. It's the potential solution to a problem which faces everyone who gets a new hip - it won't stay new. You'll be lucky to get 15 years out of it before your hip replacement needs replaced. Consultant orthopaedic surgeon Dominic Meek, from Glasgow's Southern General Hospital, said the hip replacement procedure had become a victim of its own success. "One of the problems is that it's been so successful that we've been putting them into a lot more, younger patients - and they're a lot more active," he said. "So because of this they've been wearing out these hip joints." Add to that the fact that the implants can become loose. That happens because over the years stem cells in the patient's bone marrow surround the implant with soft tissue. Our bodies' stem cells have the capacity to differentiate - to transform into any other kind of cell. But soft tissue around an implant means it starts to lose its grip. If the stem cells could be encouraged to form bone instead, it would create a joint fit for a lifetime. [/QUOTE] [url]http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-19431643[/url] Seems like a good thing, seen as people are needing replacements more and are living longer so might need new ones in 15 years or so later.
[QUOTE=Vodkavia;37478703]Article subtly reminded me of Deus Ex.[/QUOTE] Press F7 to run fast
This is great news. One of my relatives got a hip replaced (after years of waiting) and he had to almost shuttle back and forth to a hospital because it didn't stick correctly. Was a real issue for him since it pretty much meant that his hip only half worked
And then we'll soon be able to extend life
[QUOTE=Vodkavia;37478703]Article subtly reminded me of Deus Ex.[/QUOTE] Nano implants before they were cool, that is pretty [I]hip[/I]ster.
[QUOTE=Lomme;37479608]Nano implants before they were cool, that is pretty [I]hip[/I]ster.[/QUOTE] must kill your joke there, nano implants has always been cool, even if once considered fictious
[QUOTE=Vodkavia;37478703]Article subtly reminded me of Deus Ex.[/QUOTE] My hip is augmented. Wait...
"Ma'am, we have a new way to extend the life of your hip replacements." "Oh, good! What is it?" "Frank: throw her into... [I][B]the nano pit.[/B][/I]"
My grandmother had a hip replacement, and for some reason they couldn't put the hip in all the way. So one leg is longer than the other and she has to have special shoes to make up for this.
IT BEGINS!
I just had my second hip replaced two weeks ago. Now both of my hips are titanium! However, I'm not suppose to put weight on this new one yet because my pelvis was abnormal, and the hole the doctor had to bore for the new implant cup made the interior wall of my pelvis increadibly thin, at risk of breaking if I put too much pressure on it. Though he said in about 4 weeks time, the bone will have fused with a special material on the implant, essentially making it a permanence part of my pelvis.
[QUOTE=OvB;37482122]I just had my second hip replaced two weeks ago. Now both of my hips are titanium! However, I'm not suppose to put weight on this new one yet because my pelvis was abnormal, and the hole the doctor had to bore for the new implant cup made the interior wall of my pelvis increadibly thin, at risk of breaking if I put too much pressure on it. Though he said in about 4 weeks time, the bone will have fused with a special material on the implant, essentially making it a permanence part of my pelvis.[/QUOTE] No, within six months, ect. But seriously, how does it feel having an artificial joint? Do you have some medical condition or are you just well over the average age around here?
[QUOTE=Rents;37495089]No, within six months, ect. But seriously, how does it feel having an artificial joint? Do you have some medical condition or are you just well over the average age around here?[/QUOTE] I fit under the "younger and younger patients that are more activities and wear them out more quickly." Category. Had my left hip replaced at 18 right after hs graduation. Had my right replaced at 20 just a few weeks ago. It was an understood condition that I would have to get my replacements replaced every 10 years or so. Each time being harder than the last. Though I don't think they replace the femoral shaft and the pelvis cup thing unless they need to. They just unscrew the femoral head and pop a new one on. As for why, it was a mix of necrosis, dysplasia, severe arthritis, and lack of cartilage. Always knew the hips had to go some day.
This is really innovative remarkable. My father needs to get his hip replaced (but they cant obviously replace it all at once) so he's gotta get one half done at a time, he finished one side and already feels a great deal of improvement. He says its like the same as having his old hip back. Now the concern is the lifespan of the replacements. So this is a really interesting read, thanks!
Only slightly less cool than a lazarus pit.
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