Hip replacement operations have become commonplace during the past ten years, but none the less it is well to remember the struggle to overcome the initial difficulties before the achievement of the successful results which are confidently expected today. Certainly, in the 1950s attempts to relieve pain and restore movement to an arthritic hip frequently failed. Such operations which were practised often involved a prolonged period of immobilisation which would now not be tolerated. For progress to be made orthopaedic surgeons had to rely on the loyalty and stoicism of their patients who allowed untried procedures to be carried out on themselves, often without appreciating the possible outcome. These surgical experiments resulted in progress being made, and the failures led to a greater understanding of the problems involved. The importance of collaboration with bio-engineers was also recognised, and the search began for suitable materials with which to make an artificial joint. Progress was made in many centres throughout the world, and surgeons in the United Kingdom were at the forefront in devising original techniques. Although others also produced new models, John Charnley was a pioneer and an innovator who influenced the development of hip relacement more than any other individual. In telling the story of his life this book is inevitably also the story of the operation, but it is not intended to be a scientific evaluation of his work.
Inhaltsverzeichnis
1 Growing Up in Bury 1911 1929.- 2 Training for Surgery 1929 1940.- 3 War Service 1940 1946.- 4 Back to Manchester 1946 1960.- 5 An Exact Man 1946 1960.- 6 Books to Instruct 1950 & 1953.- 7 Turning Points 1957 & 1958.- 8 Personal Interlude 1957 1977.- 9 The Growth of an Idea 1951 1961.- 10 The Plan Fulfilled 1959 1969.- 11 Bone Cement: Grout not Glue 1958 1982.- 12 Clean Air Against Infection 1960 1983.- 13 The Charnley/Thackray Relationship 1947 1982.- 14 Spreading the Word 1967 1982.- 15 An Outpost in the South 1969 1982.- 16 Active Retirement 1975 1982.- 17 In Memoriam 1982.- Appendix: Honours and Awards Conferred on John Charnley.- Acknowledgements.- References.
