Professor Bill Walter
Research driving the development of new implants and improving outcomes
Our researchers at the Kolling Institute have joined with international collaborators to develop a revolutionary implant for hip replacements. The ceramic implant, designed for hip resurfacing procedures, doesn’t require the long stem used in common hip replacements. This means surgeons are not removing the bone which they would generally remove for a hip replacement. Professor Bill Walter, a leading surgeon and investigator with the Murray Maxwell Biomechanics Lab, said that with this approach, the hip feels more natural and is a bit stronger, particularly for activities such as running and jumping.
“Importantly, feedback from patients has informed the development of the device,” he said. “Patients reported excellent pain and symptom relief, and 45 per cent of patients returned to high-level sports.” Female patients also benefitted from the procedure, marking a significant development for the surgery. “In the past, resurfacing has not worked well in female patients but with the ceramic on ceramic resurfacing, we’re getting very good results.” The ceramic device also alleviates concerns around metal toxicity with the traditional implants.
Currently about 50,000 hip replacements are performed in Australia each year, with resurfacing procedures representing less than one per cent. Professor Walter said that trend is expected to change, with up to 50 per cent of patients potentially
eligible for resurfacing. Full Therapeutic Goods Administration approval is
expected this year, with further studies to examine the long-term results of the ceramic resurfacing implants.
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