Surfacing innovation: St John of God Murdoch Hospital surgeon leads the way with ceramic hip resurfacing

St John of God Murdoch Hospital Head of Orthopaedics, Professor Piers Yates, is at the forefront of an innovative clinical trial aimed at giving patients longer-lasting relief from chronic hip pain.

23 Nov 2023

The trial introduces a new ceramic hip resurfacing implant. Hip resurfacing is a procedure that involves capping the femoral head rather than removing it. It preserves the neck and most of the head of the thigh bone while replacing the worn cartilage with a ceramic cap on the top of the thighbone and a ceramic shell in the pelvic socket.

Already gaining global recognition, the trial has attracted patients worldwide, including a patient who travelled from Romania to undergo the procedure at St John of God Murdoch Hospital last month.

“The technology is only available in the UK, South Africa, and Australia, and the patient flew here,” Professor Yates said.

“This new implant has a low wear rate and preserves bone, so it should address some of the limitations of current metal on metal resurfacing designs, in particular allowing safer use of this type of implant in women due to the smaller sizes available, and avoids the concerns of metal on metal reactions.”

This procedure can be beneficial for younger patients who may need future hip surgeries at a later age.

“Hip resurfacing is indicated for high activity, younger patients requiring replacement for arthritis, and allows them to return to any activity, including impact sport and running,” Professor Yates said.

Professor Yates and three other orthopaedic surgeons across Australia embarked on this pioneering trial four years ago, with Professor Yates the only Western Australian surgeon involved in the trial. The surgeons’ selection was based on their extensive experience with hip resurfacing and previous collaboration with the implant company.

“The trial includes over 800 patients so far with extremely good results (98 per cent success rate) at more than three years,” Professor Yates said.

“The trial will provide data so that the implant can be registered with the Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA), allowing it to be available for more surgeons to use.”

“Australia is becoming the place of innovation and research, especially in orthopaedics, with the future of health care research shifting towards the private sector due to the sheer volume of patients.”

The trial will continue until TGA approval is secured, and given the promising outcomes achieved so far, approval is expected in the near future.