Advances in implant technology discussed at orthopaedic conference

The one-day meeting, attended by over 100 delegates, stimulated debate on the complexities of hip and knee surgery. Delegates were encouraged to present challenging hip and knee cases, which were discussed in detail by the panel of experts from across the globe.

The largest, strongest and heaviest joints in the body such as the knees provide support and mobility and carry almost half the body's weight. A healthy knee lets you move your lower leg forward and backward, and swivel slightly to point the toes in or out. Ligaments and cartilage stabilise and support the joint, preventing it from moving too far from side to side.

If osteoarthritis wears away a knee joint's cartilage, your doctor may recommend total knee arthroplasty (replacement), a common and successful procedure that improves knee motion and lets you resume relatively normal activities without pain.

Dr. Paul Moreau, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, UAE, discussed the major commitment by the orthopaedic industry to redesign and improve knee implants to allow more flexion. This is especially important for populations in the Asian and African demographics, where retaining full flexion is desirable for cultural and religious reasons. Dr Moreau adds, "A great deal of progress has been made in the design of such implants, dramatically improving the quality of life for patients who have undergone knee replacement surgery. In collaboration with the industry manufacturers we are producing promising results in the area of creating and maintaining flexion."

Dr. Samih Tarabichi, Head of Joint Replacement Centre, American Hospital, Dubai, UAE, continued the debate on flexion with a comparison of mobile bearing and fixed knee implants. Dr. Tarabichi adds, "The mobile bearing was introduced with the hope that it would decrease wear and would lead to a better functioning implant. Although mobile bearing is more accommodating to deep flexion the current designs do not exactly match the kinematics (dynamics) that we see in the normal knee. Designing an implant, which allows for the normal kinematics is the current challenge for the industry."

The conference also examined alternatives to total hip replacement surgery. Dr Chris Whately, Chief of Orthopaedic Surgery, Dubai Bone and Joint Center, Dubai, examined surgical options in adolescents and young adults with hip disease. Dr. Whately adds, "In my opinion, the long-term results of hip replacement are less than ideal, especially in young patients. We need to consider viable alternatives to total hip replacement surgery, such as hip arthrodesis (fusing of the bone) and osteotomy (surgically repositioning the joints)."