Questions raised about new joint implants

Innovations to devices used in joint replacement have been introduced without enough evidence that they are any better than existing implants, suggests a large review published in the British Medical Journal.
A total of 118 studies were included, that involved 15,384 implants in 13,164 people.
The research team was looking for data on modular femoral necks, ceramic-on-ceramic bearings, and uncemented monoblock acetabular cups used in hip replacements, and for gender-specific and high-flexion implants in knee replacements.
They found that none of the five device innovations was found to improve functional or patient reported outcomes.
Reported comparative data with well-established alternative devices (over 1 200 000 implants) did not show improved device survival. And a higher revision occurrence was associated with modular femoral necks and ceramic-on-ceramic bearings in hip replacement and with high flexion knee implants.
“We did not find convincing high quality evidence supporting the use of five substantial, well known, and already implemented device innovations in orthopaedics,” the authors conclude. “Moreover, existing devices may be safer to use in total hip or knee replacement. Improved regulation and professional society oversight are necessary to prevent patients from being further exposed to these and future innovations introduced without proper evidence of improved clinical efficacy and safety.”
Click here to read the original research.

Image credit: Raymond Bryson