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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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