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New discovery could lead to better artificial hips
For many people who have suffered from an arthritic hip, the replacement of their natural hip bone with a prosthetic implant has meant an end to constant pain, and the restoration of a normal range of movement. Unfortunately, the ball-and-socket joints of the prostheses do wear down over time, so younger patients in need of the implants are typically told to either wait until they are older, or must face the prospect of someday requiring repeat surgery to service their device.
A recent discovery, however, could lead to longer-lasting artificial hip joints - this could in turn allow patients to receive prosthetic hips at a younger age, without the need for additional surgery when they get older.