This post from the National Joint Registry celebrated the anniversary of the first hip replacement done on November 23 1962.

Hip replacement surgery, a technique first introduced by British surgeon Sir John Charnley, celebrates its fiftieth anniversary today. Hip replacement surgery is widely recognised as one of the leading innovations for modern medicine. It offers relief from pain and improved mobility for thousands of patients world-wide, including over 80,000 patients in England and Wales last year.

The National Joint Registry has monitored the performance of hip replacement implants since 2003. Since 1962, the development of hip replacement surgery has seen many different types of prostheses and materials introduced with the aim of giving longer-lasting implants to patients.

Approaching its 10th anniversary, the NJR holds a rich data resource that can offer robust analysis of the performance of these implants and effectiveness of surgical technique.

NJR National Lead Elaine Young said: “We are reminded today of the significant contribution hip replacement surgery has made to quality of life for so many people. The NJR’s role is to ensure that continues to happen. Through the collection of data and the monitoring of implants, surgeons and hospitals, we are able to support the improvement of joint replacement surgery for patients.”

Hip replacement surgery, a technique first introduced by British surgeon Sir John Charnley, celebrates its fiftieth anniversary today. Hip replacement surgery is widely recognised as one of the leading innovations for modern medicine. It offers relief from pain and improved mobility for thousands of patients world-wide, including over 80,000 patients in England and Wales last year.

The National Joint Registry has monitored the performance of hip replacement implants since 2003. Since 1962, the development of hip replacement surgery has seen many different types of prostheses and materials introduced with the aim of giving longer-lasting implants to patients.

Approaching its 10th anniversary, the NJR holds a rich data resource that can offer robust analysis of the performance of these implants and effectiveness of surgical technique.

NJR National Lead Elaine Young said: “We are reminded today of the significant contribution hip replacement surgery has made to quality of life for so many people. The NJR’s role is to ensure that continues to happen. Through the collection of data and the monitoring of implants, surgeons and hospitals, we are able to support the improvement of joint replacement surgery for patients.”

Click here to view the BBC video: Charnley’s hip replacement technique turns 50 >