Dr Rob Beadling, from the Schools of Mechanical Engineering at Leeds in front of an advanced simulator. Credit: University of Leeds

Engineers at the University of Leeds are investigating ways to develop next-generation artificial joints that last longer and produce fewer side effects than existing models.

The £4m project has been funded by the EU’s Horizon 2020 programme.

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More than 100,000 artificial joints are fitted annually in the UK, but some implants can lead to pain, become loose or deposit debris into the surrounding tissue, causing severe inflammation.

Failure rates within ten years of joint fitting can range up to 30% for some devices, which engineers believe is due to weaknesses in the wear-and-tear testing of the joints prior to use.

The researchers plan to use advanced computer simulation technology and laboratory tests to capture a more accurate picture of the performance of implants during running, walking, jumping and stumbling.

This will be done using in situ analysis, where the performance of the device is monitored while it is being subject to mechanical testing. Researchers believe this will result in earlier identification and correction of problems.

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The joints will also be designed to be better suited for younger patients.

Soft tissue engineering scaffolds formed by melt electrospin writing, which will be the basis of workstreams on soft-tissue emulating materials. Credit: Mattias Santschi, ETH Zurich

University of Leeds mechanical engineering professor Richard Hall said: “Surgeons are fitting new hips and knees to patients who are younger, heavier and more active. That means the devices are under even greater stress. They also want to fit artificial joints in ankles and fingers, and they have higher failure rates.

“To overcome these challenges, manufacturers need more accurate testing and better design. We are working with industrial, clinical and academic partners to make that happen, to produce artificial joints that are fit for purpose.”

The international project is being led by the University of Leeds, and the main project partners are ETH Zurich, Uppsala University, Lulea Technical University and Imperial College London.

The project will also train early-career researchers for the medical devices industry.