Abstract
The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. British volumeVol. 87-B, No. 8 Book ReviewsFree AccessFifteen years of clinical experience with hydroxyapatite coatings in joint arthroplasty Edited by J-A. Epinette, M. T. Thomas Pp.452. France: Springer-Verlag, 2004. ISBN:2-28700-508-0. £77.00.F. HoranF. HoranSearch for more papers by this authorPublished Online:1 Aug 2005https://doi.org/10.1302/0301-620X.87B8.0871167AboutSectionsPDF/EPUB ToolsDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsAdd to Favourites ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditEmail The use of calcium hydroxyapatite with its bio-compatibility and ability to actively bond to osteoid, was initially pioneered by dental practitioners. When it became possible to produce scintered coating of this material on a metal substrate by using the process of plasma spraying, the feasibility of its use to anchor implants in orthopaedic surgery became apparent. In the early 1980’s studies were undertaken to assess the level of fixation achieved in animal studies with encouraging results. Austen and Furlong in 1983 produced a femoral component coated with hydroxyapatite for use in replacement arthroplasty of the hip. Improvements in the application of the coating of hydroxyapatite showed the feasibility of this option and use of such components gradually spread. Now, a number of papers have been published with follow-up of ten to fifteen years showing that the fixation remained solid with no evidence of membrane formation or osteolysis.The use of such coating has been widened to include knee replacements, screws for external fixation, pedicle screws and similar devices. The consistent finding has been that the coating dramatically improves the reliability of such implants.However, it is suggested that only 7% of hip replacements use hydroxyapatite coatings, and clearly suspicions remains as to their reliability.This book describes the experience of orthopaedic surgeons in Europe, particularly, but also in Australia, the USA and Japan. There are detailed accounts of the experimental use of hydroxyapatite with a comprehensive analysis of the histological and biomechanical findings. There are detailed personal accounts of the results obtained in primary arthroplasty of the hip and the knee, with sections devoted to the use of this material in revision arthroplasty of the hip.It may be suggested that such a volume simply records the experiences of enthusiasts for the use of hydroxyapatite, but the overall breadth of the book is such that it should be read by all orthopaedic surgeons, particularly those involved with joint replacement. The results recorded are outstanding and the description of the pathophysiology involved is well written and easily understood.Although this is a multi-authored book, the overall style is pleasing and flows well. It is a good read. The editors deserve congratulations for producing this excellent volume.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Vol. 87-B, No. 8 Metrics Downloaded 108 times History Published online 1 August 2005 Published in print 1 August 2005 InformationCopyright © 2005, The British Editorial Society of Bone and Joint Surgery: All rights reservedPDF download
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
