Trial and error and then success
In 1961, Charnley established a new Biomechanics Laboratory and Workshop at Wrightington. This was followed a year later by The Hip Centre, complete with consulting rooms, conference and research facilities.
Charnley began developing implants which could replace both sides of the joint in patients with chronic hip disease. His first innovative THR solutions used a plastic cup made of Teflon, combined with a stainless steel prosthesis held in place with pink dental acrylic cement.
The initial success was shortlived. Early replacement operations failed in large numbers and Charnley came very close to giving up on using plastics.
However, following a timely visit from a plastics salesman, Charnley’s technician, Harry Craven, tested High Density Polyethylene (HDP) against Charnley’s wishes. Craven managed to convince Charnley of the merits of HDP, which was far more hard wearing than Teflon.
In 1962 the resulting implant was first used, and with few modifications became renowned for its reliability. As a result, Wrightington was established as a world famous centre for THR research and treatment.
Since the early 1960s thousands of designs of total hip prosthesis have been developed and marketed, but the Charnley hip remains one of the most successful.
