The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) said Friday, Dec. 3, the development of a cementless total hip replacement system is underway and is currently on a device design stage.
DOST Secretary Fortunato “Boy” T. de la Peña said initial designs have already been completed by Orthopaedic International Inc., the implementing arm of the project.
“The project commenced in May 2021 and is currently on its device design stage, with initial designs already completed,” he said in a taped report on Friday, Dec. 3.
The project aims to develop a cementless total hip replacement system that can be manufactured locally while complying with international quality standards. It is supported by the DOST-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD).
“The project is in response to the high cost of imported cementless hip implants that are needed for treatment of arthritis of the hip,” de la Peña said.
He laments that more than 170,000 in the Philippines suffer from arthritis of the hip every year.
“Although this can be treated successfully with total hip arthroplasty, few Filipinos can afford the treatment, because of the high cost of the implants,” he said.