Hip Replacement in Younger Patients
Although the average age for someone having hip replacement surgery is 68, younger people are also benefiting from the procedure. More than 340,000 people have hip replacement surgery each year to reduce pain and improve mobility. An increasing number of these people are under age 50 with many in their 30s and 40s.

Young people who have experienced hip trauma from athletic injuries or accidents, hips destroyed by intensive steroid regimens used to treat cancer or lupus, or those living with juvenile arthritis or bone cancer in the hip are often able to return to most activities with a new hip.

VOA Research Foundation is following younger hip replacement patients to evaluate the long-term benefits and effects of metal-on-metal bearing surfaces.

Pinnacle^TM Acetabular Cup Implant
Primary concerns for anyone considering hip replacement surgery include how well the new hip implant will work and how long it will last. Orthopedic research has found the material used to make a hip implant - particularly the material used to make the "socket" in the ball-and-socket joint of the hip - is a key factor in determining the long-term success of a hip implant.

The acetabular cup is the socket of the hip joint. The pinnacle acetabular cup implant is made of titanium and the liner is designed to allow the ball of the hip to slide smoothly inside the socket. The durability of the materials and smooth interfacing of the implant parts ensure lasting motion closely resembling the natural movements of the hip.

VOA Research Foundation is following patients with the pinnacle acetabular cup implant to compare the benefits of the materials used with more traditional implants.

To learn more about VOA Research Foundation's hip replacement studies, call 425-656-5060, ext. 3063.