Charnley, John (1911–1982)

English orthopaedic surgeon who applied engineering principles to the practice of orthopaedics. He worked on degenerative hip disease and developed a new technique, the total hip replacement, or arthroplasty. He also successfully pioneered arthrodesis (fusing joint surfaces) for the knee and hip.

Charnley was born in Bury, Lancashire, and studied at Manchester University. He worked at Manchester Royal Infirmary from 1947 until the mid-1960s, and then became director of the Centre of Hip Surgery at Wrightington Hospital, Lancashire, turning it into the primary unit for hip replacement in the world.

By research and experiment, Charnley found a low-friction, high-density polythene suitable for artificial hip joints, in 1962. He also pioneered the use of methyl methacrylate cement for holding the metal prosthesis or implant to the shaft of the femur.

For the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis Charnley devised a system for surgically fusing joint surfaces (arthrodesis) to immobilize the knee joint, using an external compression device which bears his name. This leaves the joint immobile but pain-free.

Throughout his career, Charnley developed a series of highly practical and successful surgical instruments. In his fight against postoperative infection he used air ‘tents’ which allowed the surgeon and the wound to be kept in a sterile atmosphere during the operation. Knighted 1977.