Joint Replacement in the Human Body

Joint Replacement in the Human Body provides a comprehensive exploration of artificial joint designs. The book's primary focus is to introduce readers to the diverse landscape of artificial joint technologies while offering insights into their historical development. This book is divided into three sections, each addressing specific aspects of joint replacements. The first section delves into artificial joints of the lower limb, including the hip, knee, and ankle. In the subsequent section, the book explores upper limb replacements, covering joints such as the shoulder, elbow, wrist, finger, and thumb.

The third section tackles broader themes like biotribology, regulatory aspects of joint replacements, examines noteworthy case studies like metal-on-metal hips, and addresses joint replacements not easily categorized in the previous sections, such as spinal total disc replacements. This book offers a critical assessment of the diverse and evolving design concepts currently in use, ranging from established metal-on-polymer joints to innovative biomimetic solutions. This book is designed to swiftly equip readers with a deep understanding of contemporary joint replacements and the immediate and long-term challenges they present.

Section A: Joint replacement in the lower limb
1. Hip joint replacement
2. Knee joint replacement
3. Ankle joint replacement

Section B: Joint replacement in the upper limb
4. Shoulder joint replacement
5. Elbow joint replacement
6. Wrist joint replacement
7. Metacarpophalangeal joint replacement
8. Proximal interphalangeal joint replacement
9. Trapeziometacarpal joint replacement

Section C: Other joints and overarching concerns
10. Other joints
11. Total disc replacements
12. Metal-on-metal hips
13. Biotribology
14. Regulatory requirements for joint replacements

Dr. Thomas J Joyce possesses a rich background with 30 years of experience in the field of artificial joints. His extensive research encompasses a broad spectrum of topics within this domain. His contributions range from the inception of artificial joint designs to the creation of innovative testing apparatus for artificial joints where none had existed before. He has also delved into the exploration and evaluation of novel orthopaedic biomaterials and conducted in-depth examinations of artificial joints that have undergone the ultimate test – within the human body.

Throughout his career, Dr. Joyce has maintained a close collaboration with orthopaedic surgeons. His pivotal role in identifying and elucidating engineering issues associated with metal-on-metal hips stands out prominently. This began with the scrutiny of the ASR metal-on-metal hip, which has been described as a ‘tragedy for many patients’ in the New England Journal of Medicine. His commitment to this area extended to other iterations of artificial hip joint designs. Driven by his expertise, he contributed substantially to the UK government's select committee inquiry into the regulation of medical implants. This investigative work, aimed at ensuring patients' access to the safest implants, remains ongoing. Presently, his research is highlighted by high-profile endeavours in spinal implants, knee joint replacements, and wrist joint replacements, all driven by the overarching goal of enhancing patient safety and implant efficacy.