John Charnley (hip replacement pioneer)

John Charnley was a British surgeon who revolutionized hip replacement surgery in the 1960s. He developed a technique using durable artificial materials to replace damaged hip joints, significantly improving patients' mobility and quality of life. His innovations included the use of a metal ball and a plastic socket, which mimicked natural joint function and reduced wear over time. Charnley's work laid the foundation for modern hip replacements, making the procedure safer, more effective, and widely accessible to people suffering from severe joint pain and arthritis.