Hip replacement alternative helps saves lives off Cornwall
coast
One of the South West’s most experienced RNLI lifeboat Coxswains
is back saving lives at sea after an operation, which gives new
hope to people suffering from early onset arthritis.
The procedure has allowed Terry George to continue working with
his team, which has carried out hundreds of rescues off the coast
of Cornwall. The operation, performed at Duchy Hospital, in
Truro, provides an alternative to traditional hip replacements,
which are not usually suitable for highly active younger
patients. It involves creating a new metallic surface for the
bones in the hip joint, with a lower risk of the hip coming out of
joint. Terry explained: “I’ve been involved with the RNLI
for most of my adult life, and it looked as if arthritic hips were
going to cut short the career that I love.“ The operation
was carried by Orthopaedic Consultant Mark Norton, who explained:
“Many people who suspect they have arthritis, don’t go to their GP
because they think nothing can be done. Now, if arthritis
strikes people in their 40s, hip resurfacing offers a real
alternative.”
The hip resurfacing operation is among the orthopaedic
treatments at the Duchy Hospital, which is also developing a
growing reputation for its expertise in ophthalmology,
physiotherapy and plastic surgery.