Medication to treat fragile bones could HALF the number of hip replacements that need to be rebuilt, scientists say
- Osteoporosis drug could halve hip replacement surgery
- Scientists have found that denosumab may help protect the hip bone
- An estimated 8,500 hip review procedures are performed each year on the NHS
A drug used to treat osteoporosis could halve the number of hip replacement surgeries, scientists said yesterday.
It is estimated that 8,500 hip revision procedures are performed each year at a huge cost to the NHS.
Repeated procedures, which increase the risk of infection and other complications, are also less effective than the first surgery.
A drug used to treat osteoporosis could halve the number of hip replacement surgeries, as scientists have found that the drug denosumab could help protect the hip bone (stock image)
But scientists have found that the drug denosumab – already used to treat bone disease – could help protect hip bone and dramatically reduce the number of re-surgeries.
Professor Mark Wilkinson, who led the study at the University of Sheffield, said it was “particularly good news” for younger or more active patients, who tend to wear the plastic part of the implant faster.
He said the primary hip replacement costs around £ 6,000 and overhauls up to £ 18,000.
The main reason for reoperation of the hip is osteolysis – a disease that eats bone tissue, causing it to weaken and dissolve.
The main reason for hip reoperation is osteolysis – a disease that eats bone tissue, causing it to weaken and dissolve.
The disease occurs after joint replacement surgery when small particles come off the implant, causing the body’s immune system to attack the already weakened bone.
This causes the artificial joint to weaken, causing pain and eventually requiring revision surgery.
The team found that administering denosumab to patients could have a “huge impact” on thousands of patients who undergo revision surgery each year.
The trial, which involved 22 patients at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, found that denosumab killed about 90% of the cells responsible for bone loss in patients due to revised hip surgery.
Professor Wilkinson added: “It is very clear from our biopsies and bone imaging that the injection stops the bone from absorbing the micro-plastic particles in the replacement joint and therefore could prevent bone consumption and the need for revision surgery.
“We now hope to conduct a much larger Phase 3 clinical trial and look for opportunities to continue this innovative research that could revolutionize the way we treat patients at risk of needing secondary joint replacement.”