Project aims to engineer better artificial joints

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Artificial joints that last longer, produce fewer side effects and are better suited for younger patients are the subject of a £4m project led by Leeds University. 

Funded by the EU’s Horizon 2020 programme, the international collaboration will focus on improved design and testing to reduce implant faults, failures, or cause orthopaedic complications.

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Failure rates within ten years of an artificial joint being fitted range from a few per cent to greater than 30 per cent, depending on the type of device.

Engineers believe problems have arisen with some implants because testing failed to evaluate real-world wear and tear.

Principal investigator, Professor Richard Hall from the School of Mechanical Engineering at Leeds, said: “Total hip and knee replacement is now an established technique that has been hugely successful. Implant technology can improve lives.

“But over the last 20 years, there have been high-profile problems with some implants failing or causing complications which require patients to have repeat surgery.

“In addition, surgeons are fitting new hips and knees to patients who are younger, heavier and more active. That means the devices are under even greater stress. They also want to fit artificial joints in ankles and fingers and they have higher failure rates.

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