Our research explores how implants from artificial hips and knees to growing rods used in children function inside the human body. Our academic partnership with University College London (UCL) supports the Centre’s aims through collaborative research. We analyse what works, what can go wrong, and how to build better solutions for patients. By combining engineering, imaging, materials science, and clinical insight, the Centre is helping shape the future of joint and spine care.
Our research builds on the legacy of the London Implant Retrieval Centre (LIRC), which gained international recognition for its pivotal work in analysing metal-on-metal implants and shaping global safety standards. As implant technologies have advanced, new challenges have arisen and we are actively responding to these evolving needs.
Funding
The Implant Science Centre is supported by partner institutions and a consortium of implant manufacturers, they all make our research possible. We acknowledge the support of: Arthroplasty for Arthritis Charity, Maurice Hatter Foundation, RNOH Charity, Rosetrees Trust, Stoneygate Trust, National Institute for Health Research, University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre.
We also recognise the contributions of our industry collaborators, including: Corin, DePuy, Enovis, Globus Medical, implantcast, JRI, Mathys, Medacta, Smith & Nephew, Stryker, Zimmer Biomet.
Our key research focus is on:
1. The analysis of 3D printed implants.
2. The analysis of magnetically controlled growing rods and nails.
3. The role of blood titanium testing as a biomarker for implant function.
5. Decommissioning legacy retrieval programmes.
The menu bar on the right has links to more information about this research.
Research carried out at the Centre has uncovered critical safety issues in hip implant design, quality control, and data reporting. The team identified previously undetected causes of implant failure — including size mismatch, poor-quality generic implants, and corrosion in modular designs — leading to significant patient harm and financial costs to the NHS. Through large-scale data analysis and collaboration with national regulators, the work has not only corrected gaps in national implant registries but also influenced global standards for implant safety. The findings continue to guide improvements in implant design, surgical practice, and regulatory oversight.
Also, the research work has significantly improved the safety and management of metal-on-metal (MOM) hip replacements worldwide. The team has identified how these implants release harmful metal ions into the bloodstream, causing tissue damage. Their work led to the development of key diagnostic tools, including a blood metal ion threshold (7 ppb) and the MARS MRI protocol, now used routinely in NHS hospitals. This research has shaped global regulatory guidelines, prompted the recall of faulty implants, and supported legal claims by affected patients. A global retrieval programme has analysed thousands of failed implants to understand causes of failure. As a result, patients now receive safer, ceramic-based replacements, improving outcomes and quality of life. The research has also introduced stricter approval standards for orthopaedic implants to prevent similar device failures in the future.
We are a global leader in studying 3D-printed implants, particularly for complex joint reconstructions. Using advanced imaging and analysis techniques, we investigate how these implants bond with bone, identify structural defects, and explore why they may offer improved outcomes for patients. Our work is also pioneering new ways to monitor these implants through blood-based biomarkers such as titanium levels.
“3D-printed implants offer new possibilities for complex joint surgery. We use advanced imaging to study how they bond with bone and ensure they perform safely over time” – Dr Anna Di Laura
The Centre is a hub for research into magnetically controlled growing rods, used to treat spinal and limb deformities in children. Through detailed retrieval analysis, imaging, and mechanical testing, we study how these devices behave inside the body over time. Our goal is to improve their reliability, reduce the need for early revision surgeries, and support better long-term outcomes for young patients.
“Over the past eight years, our research team has analysed retrieved MCGRs to better understand how they perform in patients; indeed, we now have the largest catalogue of retrieved MCGRs anywhere in the world” – Prof Alister Hart
As new implants are introduced into clinical practice, we conduct real-world performance studies, combining lab testing with analysis of retrieved devices and clinical outcomes. This allows us to detect early signs of failure or complications that may not appear in pre-clinical testing, helping ensure that new designs meet the highest standards of safety and effectiveness.
“We study how new implants perform in real patients, using imaging and retrieval analysis to catch potential issues early and support safer surgical choices.”
We are building on our pioneering work in cobalt and chromium blood biomarkers to investigate blood titanium levels as a non-invasive biomarker for implant health. This work could allow clinicians to detect early signs of implant wear or failure before symptoms appear, offering a powerful new tool for patient monitoring and safety.
“Blood-based biomarkers could revolutionise how we monitor orthopaedic implants — making it easier to catch issues before they become problems.” - Johann Henckel
As part of our evolving priorities, the Centre has responsibly concluded a long-running implant retrieval programme that played a vital role in clinical, regulatory, and legal settings. With its objectives successfully achieved, this transition allows us to focus on new areas of research, drawing on the programme’s legacy of high-impact insights and patient safety outcomes.
“Our past retrieval work shaped global implant safety standards. As we move forward, we’re applying those lessons to today’s technologies and tomorrow’s challenges.” – John Skinner
Our work is grounded in a simple goal: to help patients move better, recover faster, and live with fewer complications. By understanding how implants perform over time and why they sometimes fail, we’re improving care for current patients and developing safer, more personalised solutions for the future.
Our insights have helped:
We’re a collaborative, multidisciplinary team of engineers, clinicians, scientists and imaging experts. Our research combines hands-on analysis of real implants with state-of-the-art tools, including:
We also work closely with industry partners, regulatory bodies, and surgical teams to ensure that innovation is backed by evidence and translated into real-world impact.
“There’s something powerful about combining lab science with real patient data. It allows us to make discoveries that genuinely change practice.” – Prof Alister Hart
The future of implant science lies in personalised, data-driven, and non-invasive care. Our upcoming priorities include:
We’re proud to help lead these efforts at one of the world’s only centres to unite retrieval science, imaging, and materials research in a single hub. From improving implant designs to informing international safety guidance, our research has global relevance but it always starts with a single question: what will make life better for the person receiving this implant? Johann Henckel, orthopaedic surgeon at RNOH and research leader, explains more in the Q&A below.
Alongside clinical work, Johann leads research into imaging software that helps us better understand the biomechanics of the lower limb musculoskeletal system. His focus includes the use of advanced surgical technologies in hip and knee joint replacement, with specialist expertise in robotics and computer-assisted surgery. As both a clinician and researcher, Johann plays a vital role in bridging surgical practice with innovation and implant safety.
What does the Implant Science Centre do in simple terms?
We study how orthopaedic implants, like hips, knees, and growing rods, perform inside the body. Our team investigates why some devices last longer than others, and how we can improve designs to make them safer, more effective, and longer-lasting.
How do you carry out this kind of research?
We use advanced imaging and analysis tools, like micro-CT scans and blood tests, to examine both new implants and those removed from patients. We’re uncommon in bringing together diverse specialisms, engineering, materials science, and real-world clinical insight, to do this.
What’s the benefit for patients?
Better implants mean fewer complications, fewer revision surgeries, and longer-lasting results. For children, we’re working to make growing rod implants more reliable. We’re also developing non-invasive blood tests, like titanium level monitoring, that could help spot problems early, before symptoms appear.
What’s surprised you in this field?
How well 3D-printed implants can integrate with bone. Also, how much insight we can get from analysing implants after they’ve been inside real people. Sometimes we find tiny manufacturing flaws that could affect performance. It’s small details that can make a big difference.
What’s next for your team?
We’re focusing on improving monitoring tools, especially around blood titanium levels, and continuing our work with 3D-printed and paediatric implants. We’re also shifting more of our attention to evaluating newly introduced devices, making sure that innovation always goes hand in hand with safety.
What motivates you personally in this work?
It’s incredibly rewarding to know that our research directly contributes to better outcomes for patients. We work as a team, surgeons, engineers, medical physicists and scientists, each bringing something different to the table. It’s that mix of perspectives that makes this work so powerful.
RNOH Joint Reconstruction Unit (JRU)
RNOH Adult and Paediatric Limb Reconstruction Unit
RNOH Anaesthesia, Intensive Care, Chronic Pain Management
RNOH Research and Innovation Centre (RIC)
