Instrumental Change reflects on the materials used in the development and transformation of medical practice. Featuring objects from the Museum of Medicine and Health’s fascinating collection, this pop-up exhibition raises important questions about material functions, sustainability and innovation in contemporary medical practices.
Two objects included in the display include various stages of hip prostheses. It was Bury-born orthopaedic surgeon Sir John Charnley (1911-1982) who earned the reputation as the ‘father of the hip replacement’. Charnley worked at Manchester Royal Infirmary and Salford Royal Hospital until he was enlisted in the Royal Army Medical Corps during World War Two. On his return to Manchester as orthopaedic surgeon he began research into the treatment of fractures using engineering concepts. Charnley’s multidisciplinary approach to medicine eventually led to his development on the total hip replacement joint.
Charnley’s pioneering design featured a two-component hip replacement made of metal and plastic. The metal stem was placed in the thigh bone which was hollowed out during surgery. A plastic cup replaced the hip socket and was cemented into the pelvis. The two parts placed together make a comparable joint to a natural one. Charnley's prosthesis has been copied multiple times and forms the basis of many modern designs. In 1972 Charnley was appointed to the Chair of Orthopaedic Surgery in the University of Manchester and held this post until he retired as Professor Emeritus in 1976, earning a knighthood a year later.
Due to improvements in life expectancy the number of hip replacement surgeries has increased. Current developments in the design of prostheses emphasise the use of materials that are strong enough to withstand the more active lifestyles of many patients to give an infinite prosthesis life and avoid revisionist surgeries.
To find out more about Charnley and his invention make sure to come to Manchester Central Library on Decmeber 11th for the exhibition on Instrumental Change.