Last night Steve and I attended a lecture about the development of artificial joints by Professor Anthony Unsworth which I found very interesting.
The presentation focused mainly on hips and knees (as shoulders were not his area), nevertheless it was really interesting to about learn the history of joint replacements, the materials and mechanics involved as well a bit of biology of the body along with pictures of some very bad arthritic joints.
We had a discussion with him after his presentation, I also had a chat with Bowman Bradley, the Regional Chair of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers who himself had two hip replacements – his second one while he was awake. We compared notes about hearing “the noisy builders in the next room” while we were having our surgery (click to read my Gory Details page).
Thank you to Professor Unsworth, and Bowman Bradley of the IMechE for organising the event.
Total Shoulder Replacement 
Peta said:
Did he say much about the length of time the joints last now Michelle?
Me said:
He said depending on what the joint is, hope can last up to 25 years but 12 to 15 is typical. New materials being developed are polymers. Most are still carbon chrome molybdenum.
melissa H Cotter said:
I am having a REVERSE SHOULDER REPLACEMENT where they will actually turn my humerus into the sicket and the ball will be attached to my scapula! I am scared and excited as I have little to no range if motion in my right, dominant arm. I am reading your posts and am grateful for them. Thank you for your insights.
Anonymous said:
Thank you Melissa and good luck with your surgery. Please feel free to contact me anytime before or after if you have any questions and I will be happy to help if I can. Take care, Michelle