More reliable hip replacements are on the agenda

People who need hip replacements in the UK should receive a higher standard in the future, after National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published new guidance.

Recommendations on the provision of artificial joints have been updated and now say that everyone should receive the right prostheses for their requirements. A stricter benchmark for the quality of these devices will also be implemented.

New joints should work well in a minimum of 95% of people over 10 years (up from 90%) so that fewer people need to have their artificial hips replaced due to wearing or other problems.

“This new draft guidance for those with arthritis of the hip who have already tried non-surgical treatments such as exercise, physical therapy or painkillers will help ensure they receive the best possible prosthesis for them,” says Prof Carole Longson from NICE.