Engineering Surgery

During the first half of the 20th century, hip surgery was largely unsuccessful. Mechanical failure and infection were common, negatively impacting patient satisfaction and quality of life. This was the case until the early 1960’s when John Charnley CBE FRS, pioneered modern total hip replacement surgery, which today is a common, routine and safe procedure. 

Graduating as a doctor in Manchester in 1935, Charnley gained experience as an Orthopaedic surgeon through military service in Western Asia during the Second World War. He went onto roles at the Manchester Royal Infirmary and Salford Royal Hospital before setting up a Centre for Hip Surgery at Wrightington Hospital, near Wigan in 1958/1961. 

Collaborating closely with engineers and technicians, he perfected the materials for the prosthetic hip implant. This was made up of two-components, metal and plastic, which were designed to reduce friction between the joints. Charnley also worked with Howorth Air Engineering to create the ‘greenhouse’, an enclosed surgery space that reduced air contamination alongside a new type of surgeon’s gown that proved effective in avoiding infection.  

His contributions were a milestone in modern orthopaedic medicine; the procedure has since been used to alleviate the pain and improve the mobility of millions of people living with arthritis and other hip conditions across the globe.