History of joint replacement is quite interesting. Earliest method for treating arthritis  was interposition arthroplasty using soft and flexible materials.

But these substances lacked strengths and were not rigid enough to support.

Metal and glass  were tried next in the form of condylar shapes attached to one of the joint. These provided some amount of success but joint apposition was not perfect and neither were kinematics of the joint.

Modern day joint replacement began in the early 1960s. This was hallmarked by introduction of  cemented metal-polyethylene components for the hip. Later  Gunston used this technique in the knee also.

Charnley prop0sed following principles of arthroplasty which are still valid today. [Read more...]