Scientists at a Newcastle city centre biotech firm have made a discovery they say could usher in a new era of orthopaedic surgery.
Helix-based ExplantLab discovered a genetic link that points to why some people experience pain and early failure of joint replacements such as new hips. Around 10% of the UK population will have a joint surgically replaced in their lifetime, and ExplantLab says a significant number experience early failure that can lead to potentially dangerous and costly repeat surgery.
Dr David Langton, a trained surgeon and CEO of the biotech outfit, said: "A large percentage of joint failures are due to adverse immune responses, where small particles from the joint implant are released into the blood through wear and tear, stimulating an immune response in the body.
