Arthroplasty is a surgical procedure which provides an artificial joint. The operation should give (a) relief from pain; (b) a stable joint; and (c) an improvement in function. The loss of function of a joint may be caused by injury or disease.
Since 1894 there have been many attempts to restore function using various artificial materials either to separate or replace the joint surfaces, and the following is a list of the ‘milestones’ in this field:
The use of foils to cover the femoral head.
Floating joint interposition.
The introduction of cobalt–chromium alloy.
The replacement of the femoral head.
The use of acrylic and other plastics for implants.
The replacement of the acetabulum.
Total hip replacement.
The introduction of acrylic dental polymer to anchor components in bone.
This paper will discuss the various materials and devices which have been used, and some of the complications which consequently have occurred.
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