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How is Durasul different from traditional implants?
Traditionally, total hip and knee implants consist of metal
components to reinforce the bone and plastic polyethylene inserts to
replace damaged cartilage.
The polyethylene insert is
generally considered to be the “weak link” because polyethylene has
a tendency to wear down over time. The Durasul System consists of a
new type of polyethylene that has been treated to make it more
durable.
The Durasul System has remarkably improved wear
characteristics. The hip simulator studies show that we can take
this material to 27 million cycles and find no measurable wear.
Twenty-seven million cycles is roughly the equivalent to 27 years of
activity for the average person. This is in marked contrast with the
conventional polyethylene, which wears a great deal by 27 million
cycles.
As a result, we anticipate that very little wear will
be generated in the body. If that proves true, and it seems very
probable, the likelihood of periprosthetic osteolysis (bone loss)
will be dramatically reduced.
Is surgery for Durasul different from regular surgery?
The operation is performed exactly the same as any total hip or knee
replacement. It is a completely routine operation.
One way to
think of it is to compare Durasul to a new type of tire that has
been tested in the lab and shown to wear better than regular tires.
Even though the material may be better, the installation is exactly
the same.
Who would be a good candidate for Durasul?
Durasul is
suitable for patients of any age. It is particularly valuable for
younger patients. Statistics show that 50% of patients age 55 will
live 15 years or longer.
How long will an implant made with Durasul last?
Testing on hip simulators that mimic the movement of the human hip
joint have shown that Durasul does not wear down even after the
equivalent of almost 30 years in the body. This is encouraging when
you consider the fact that most hip implants have to be replaced
after about 15 years.
Testing on knee simulators has been
taken to 10 million cycles so far with no measurable wear and is
still going strong.
What activities can I do or not do after getting a Durasul hip or
knee implant?
The limitation in activities is the same as
for any other hip or knee replacement.
Going back to the tire
analogy: if you want your tires to last a long time, you avoid
abrupt starts and stops and twisting at unusual angles. Keeping this
in mind, it is recommended that any patient who has a hip or knee
implant avoid activities that involve running, jumping, heavy
lifting, and abrupt stops and starts typical of court sports such as
tennis, volleyball, racquetball, etc.
Does a Durasul hip
or knee have any complications that standard joint implants do not?
Durasul polyethylene is the same material that has been used in joint implants
for the last 30 years. It has simply been treated to make it more
durable. There is no evidence of any special complications.
How many other patients have used Durasul?
Durasul is
a new technology. So far, it has been implanted in over 5000
patients in the United States with the number growing every day.
What makes Durasul better than regular implants?
Scientific evidence such as lab testing has proven that it has the
potential to last a long time.
The key feature of Durasul is its excellent resistance to oxidation
and wear.
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