When sports enthusiast Peter Green was told he needed a hip replacement, he came to Spire Southampton Hospital to see Mr Jeremy Latham. At just 66 years old it was important to Peter that a hip replacement didn’t affect his active lifestyle.
“Originally I’d been told I’d have to have both my hips replaced but I delayed this as long as possible by following a regime set by a physiotherapist. As the pain increased, I knew I had to take further action and that is when I sought a second opinion and when I met Mr Latham. Because I’m so active and play a lot of sport, Mr Latham suggested I have this type of hip replacement and on his advice I decided to go ahead with one of my hips and use this bespoke solution, particularly suitable for active patients like me.”
Peter opted to have his hip replacement using ground breaking technology called Optimized Positioning System (OPS™). This enabled his surgeon, Mr Jeremy Latham, to determine the best position based on how Peter moves. This new technology challenges the traditional approach of hip implant placement. It is specific to the patient and tailors the implant position to suit their individual hip and how it moves. It could also reduce hip dislocation, reduce wear and increase the overall longevity of the hip replacement.
Before surgery, the patient has a series of scans to determine exactly how their individual hip moves. They undergo a CT scan and four X-rays to gather the patient specific data set.
“I waited until the end of the cricket season, but then made an appointment at Spire Southampton Hospital and had a series of images and X-rays taken. A 3D model was made of my hip which provided Mr Latham with a true picture of the shape and positioning, hence he was able to ensure the most appropriate prosthesis was used, in the most accurate alignment."
This information gives the engineers a precise understanding of the movement of each patient’s hip during their daily activities. They use the data to optimise the hip replacement orientation and then make a 3D instrument that helps guide the surgeon during the operation.
Peter arranged to have his procedure during the off season and hoped to be back for the second half of the following season.
“My operation was in October 2015 and I was very disciplined about following the physiotherapy rehabilitation plan. The exercises to build up my glutes were especially important and my goal was to play cricket again in April or May of 2016. In fact I played the whole cricket season and I’m back playing competitive singles tennis.”
“To be honest, I simply don’t even think of my hip anymore - it affects my life that little. I find it absolutely incredible, I never expected to be back playing tennis and cricket regularly, to this standard again, as well as going to the gym. I wanted to be able to resume some level of activity and be pain free. In actual fact, that first season after my replacement, I won the Cricketer of the Year Award for my Hampshire Seniors Cricket Team. I’m only 66 years old and this hip replacement really hasn’t stopped me living life to the full.”