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John Charnley: The Man and the Hip

Brandon Cox

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John Charnley was a pioneering orthopaedic surgeon who revolutionized the treatment of hip arthritis. His invention of the Charnley hip replacement has helped millions of people worldwide to regain their mobility and quality of life.

John Charnley: The Man and the Hip

by Neela Arnaud

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8089 KB
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Print length	:	449 pages

Early Life and Career

John Charnley was born in Bury, Lancashire, England, in 1911. He studied medicine at the University of Manchester and qualified as a doctor in 1935. After completing his military service during World War II, he returned to Manchester to work as a registrar in orthopaedic surgery.

In the early 1950s, Charnley became interested in the treatment of hip arthritis. At the time, the only treatment available was a surgical procedure called arthrodesis, which involved fusing the hip joint together. This procedure was often unsuccessful and left patients with a stiff and painful hip.

The Charnley Hip Replacement

Charnley believed that a better way to treat hip arthritis was to replace the damaged joint with an artificial one. He began experimenting with different materials and designs for an artificial hip joint. In 1960, he developed the Charnley hip replacement, which consisted of a metal ball and socket joint that was fixed into the patient's hip bone with a special type of cement.

The Charnley hip replacement was a major breakthrough in the treatment of hip arthritis. It was the first artificial joint that was both durable and reliable. It also allowed patients to regain a full range of movement and to live an active life.

Later Life and Legacy

Charnley continued to work as a surgeon and researcher until his retirement in 1981. He died in 1982 at the age of 70.

Charnley's legacy is immense. His invention of the Charnley hip replacement has helped millions of people worldwide to regain their mobility and quality of life. He is considered one of the most important figures in the history of orthopaedic surgery.

John Charnley was a brilliant surgeon and innovator who revolutionized the treatment of hip arthritis. His invention of the Charnley hip replacement has had a profound impact on the lives of millions of people worldwide. He is a true pioneer of modern medicine.

John Charnley: The Man and the Hip

by Neela Arnaud

5 out of 5