‘First of its kind’ hip operation at UHB
Published on 07/04/2026
A team at Good Hope Hospital has successfully carried out its first hip revision surgery using a fully custom-made hip prosthesis – a major achievement for University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB) and an important step forward in developing its complex hip reconstruction service.
Hip revision is a surgical procedure that removes and replaces a worn-out, infected, or failed artificial hip joint from a previous hip replacement. The operation was led by Mr Rajpreet Sahemey, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon. The patient, 77-year-old Katherine Broadhurst, had severe bone loss around a loose socket of the hip joint, making this one of the most challenging situations surgeons encounter during this operation.
To treat the problem safely, a bespoke implant was designed to match the Katherine’s unique bone structure. The team also used patient-specific instrumentation (PSI) – specially made surgical guides that help surgeons remove bone and position implants with exceptional accuracy. This technology allowed the team to plan the surgery in great detail and carry it out more precisely than is usually possible.
Although several UK centres now use custom-made 3D-printed hip implants, this is the first time this kind of implant has been used at UHB.
Katherine originally had both hips replaced about 20 years ago. Over time, wear and tear caused one of the replacements to fail, leading to significant bone loss and severely affecting her mobility and comfort. Following the surgery, she is recovering well and has already been able to enjoy a much-anticipated cruising holiday.
Katherine said: “Mr Sahemey and all the hospital staff were very good and really put me at ease. I'm only six weeks post-op, but so I'm still taking everything slow and easy, but I feel so much better. The hip pain that used to follow me everywhere has completely gone now. If your hip is deteriorating my advice would be don't put it off - go for it. I'm even planning to get my other hip done in six months so I can feel balanced and fully myself again.”
Mr Sahemey said: “This surgery is an exciting milestone for our service. The ability to use a custom 3Dprinted implant tailored exactly to the patient’s anatomy allows us to complete highly complex reconstructions with precision and confidence.
“Solutions like this are transforming how we manage severe bone loss, ensuring patients receive tailored care that optimises outcomes.”
The implant was designed and manufactured in collaboration with JRI Orthopaedics, whose engineering teams worked closely with UHB clinicians throughout the planning process.
He added: “I’m incredibly proud to work alongside such forward thinking and supportive colleagues. This achievement reflects not only surgical innovation but also the commitment of our wider team to advancing complex revision care.”
