The most common cause of hip joint damage is simple wear and tear.
When the lining of the joint (the cartilage) starts to wear away. This is known as osteoarthritis of the hip joint. This usually occurs spontaneously, but may also be as a result of previous injury or problems with the joint. It is only when people have pain or immobility that is seriously affecting their quality of life, despite these measures, that surgery should be considered.
The Exeter Hip Replacement was designed by Professor Robin Ling of the Princess Elizabeth Orthopaedic Hospital, Exeter and Dr Clive Lee of the University and first implanted in novemeber 1970. It is currently the most widely and commonly used cemented hip replacement in the world, with over 35 years of clinical results, being at the forefront of technology and innovation, whilst retaining long-term clinical history.
There have been many advances in total hip replacement since 1970 but the basic philosophy remaining the same. Surgical technique has advanced significantly over the last 5 to 10 years with much smaller incisions and less soft tissue dissection aiding more rapid recovery and early discharge from hospital. Modern bearing surfaces with reduced wear properties, including ceramics and the latest highly cross linked polyethylene, and the use of larger head sizes to reduce the risk of dislocation, have made it possible for patients to return to active sports such as skiing, surfing & windsurfing. Ongoing research and development has made it a very ‘modern’ implant such that it will continue to be used with confidence well into the 21st century.
Total hip replacement can now be successfully performed in patients of all ages and with all types of hip pathology and the long term results of this hip are outstanding . The Exeter Hip can be offered with confidence to patients of all ages. The Exeter Hip is hugely successful with over 90% of patients being totally pain-free following surgery. Success rates, with the endpoint being loosening of the socket or stem, are better than 95% at 15 years and many patients have now had their Exeter Hip Replacement in position for over 30 years.
