The advantages of reproducing anatomy are not only to maintain correct leg length and stability. The wear rate is also significantly reduced as has been shown in two recent research papers. Muscle strength around the hip joint is also improved as muscles can act on a normal length lever arm.

The Revitan prosthesis has been undergoing laboratory testing for some time now and it is expected that clinical trials will begin in September. It will be available in cemented and cementless types.

This is a new type of total knee prosthesis that has the capacity for tibial insert to rotate on the tibial baseplate. With the SAL-AP the insert also has the capacity for antero-posterior excursion of 5 mm. The advantage of this concept is that it allows complete conformity between the femoral component and the insert, which significantly reduces wear rates and reduces the forces that tend to loosen the tibial tray. These are two of the remaining problems we need to correct in total knee implants.

The SAL-AP also has an inventory that allows correct sizes for insertion into both Asian and Caucasian knees.

Ray Randle is an orthopaedic surgeon based at St Vincent's Hospital, Lismore. He regularly trains surgeons from Asia who come to Lismore on fellowships to learn the techniques of joint replacement. He also teaches in Asia.