Drugs for treating brittle bones can HELP the number of hip replacements that need to be done again, scientists say
- Drugs for the treatment of osteoporosis can halve the number of reoperations of the hip replacement
- Scientists have discovered that the drug denosumab can help protect the hip bone
- It is estimated that 8 500 hip review procedures are performed on 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 at a great cost to the NHS.
The repeat procedures, which increase the risk of infection and other complications, are also less effective than the first time surgery.
A drug used to treat osteoporosis can halve the number of hip replacement surgeries, as scientists have discovered that drug denosumab can protect the hip bone (stock image)
But scientists have discovered that the drug denosumab – already used to treat bone diseases – can help protect the hip bone and dramatically reduce the number of reoperations.
Professor Mark Wilkinson, who led the study by Sheffield University, said it was ‘particularly good news’ for younger or more active patients who tend to carry away the plastic part of the implant faster.
He said a primary hip replacement would cost around £ 6,000, and revisions up to £ 18,000.
The main reason for hip surgery is osteolysis – a disease that eats away bone tissue, causing it to weaken and dissolve.
The main reason for hip surgery is osteolysis – a disease that eats away bone tissue, causing it to weaken and dissolve.
The disease occurs after joint replacement surgery when small particles of the implant wear out, causing the body’s immune system to attack the already weakened bone.
It loosens the artificial joint, causing pain and eventually requiring surgery.
The team found that giving denosumab to patients could have a ‘huge impact’ on thousands of patients undergoing annual review surgery.
The trial, which involved 22 patients at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, found that denosumab killed about 90 percent of the cells responsible for bone loss in patients as a result of a review of hip surgery.
Professor Wilkinson added: ‘It is very clear from our bone biopsies and imaging of the bone that the injection stops the bone which absorbs the micro-plastic particles of the replacement joint and thus can prevent the bone from being eaten up and that it is necessary for a review operation.
“We are now hoping to conduct a much larger phase 3 clinical trial and are looking for opportunities to continue this groundbreaking research, which could revolutionize the treatment of patients at risk of needing secondary joint replacement.”