This paper reviews the most relevant achievements and new developments in the field of nanomaterials and their possible impact on the fabrication of a new generation of reliable and longer lasting implants for joint replacement. Special emphasis is given to the role of nanocomposites with different microstructural designs: micro-nano composites, nano-nano composites, macro-micro-nano composites...

Joint replacement is the most effective healthcare measure in improving patient quality-of-life outcomes. More than 46000 hip and knee replacements were performed in Australia between July 2000 and July 2001. The need for joint replacements will increase as the population ages. More than 90% of hip and/or knee replacements survive for 10-15 years. Prosthesis selection needs to be tailored to ea...

There has been considerable discussion as to the influence of obesity on the indications for, and the outcome after, joint replacement. Attempts have been made to withhold funding for such procedures in those who are overweight. What is the justification for this? This editorial examines the current evidence concerning the influence of obesity on joint replacement and suggests that it is only i...

BACKGROUND Improving access to total joint replacement (TJR) has been a priority. Without robust mechanisms to ensure appropriateness, these procedures may be overused, incurring substantial costs. In that context, decision-makers are particularly concerned with the appropriateness of TJR. OBJECTIVE While our previous research focused on the appropriateness of TJR from clinical and patient pe...

The move toward adoption and implementation of electronic health records (EHR) provides an opportunity in the United States to use electronic clinical data (ECD) to better understand patient outcomes and to improve the quality and efficiency of medical care. Within the field of orthopedics, national joint replacement registries have been shown in other countries to improve clinical decision-mak...

Background: Patients with degenerative knee joint disease may ultimately undergo Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery. However, they need enough knowledge about self-care. The current study aimed at determining the knowledge score of patients undergoing TKR. Methods: The current descriptive, cross sectional study was conducted on 140 patients underwent TKR referring to selected hospitals affil...