Replacement hips not as effective as older models – and cost more
The Australian Institute of Health Research has released data which shows that the latest models of replacement hips and knee joints are less effective, and up to five times more expensive than those they superseded.
One third of the new joints were found to be inferior to older models, and one knee joint replacement failed in many patients and had to be replaced again.
The main difference between old and new models is that newer versions are ‘cementless’- the newer models are not cemented to a patient’s bone as the older models were.
The results were compiled using a National Joint Replacement Registry established in 2002. The results have enabled orthopaedic surgeons to avoid ineffective prostheses, leading to a reduction in additional surgery.
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