A COATING that is normally used to keep soft contact lenses moist and lubricated could dramatically extend the life of replacement hip joints.
Most artificial hip joints consist of a titanium ball and socket, with a polyethylene coating on the surfaces where the ball and socket meet. But abrasion within the joint releases tiny polymer particles, triggering an inflammatory immune response and ultimately destroying bone around the joint. This happens because immune cells envelop the polymer particles and release chemicals called cytokines that trigger production of osteoclasts – cells that absorb bone.
It’s a big problem. Of the estimated 1.3 million people who receive full hip replacements…
