Father of the modern hip replacement: Professor Sir John Charnley (1911–82)

Abstract

Professor Sir John Charnley was a British orthopaedic surgeon, inventor and skilled craftsman. He is best known for his development of the first truly successful operation for total arthroplasty of the hip, the low-friction arthroplasty. As well as publishing significant works on closed fracture management and compression arthrodesis, he can also be accredited with pioneering work in the development of clean-air operating conditions and body-exhaust suits.