MaltaHip: elevating hip replacement innovation in Malta
It wears at least 75% less than conventional implants
Hip replacement surgery is a life-changing operation for people living with debilitating arthritis, fractures or other severe hip conditions. Today’s hip replacements, while condisered successful, face two major challenges: limited implant longevity and the risk of dislocation.
Traditional hip implants often last for only 15 to 25 years and the artificial joint can dislocate, causing pain, immobility and the need for a surgical procedure. For younger recipients, a hip replacement will require further revision surgery later on in their lifetime.
MaltaHip, invented at the University of Malta, represents a leap forward in hip replacement. Inspired by the ankle, the large leg joint least suffering from arthritis, MaltaHip uses three unidirectional articulations that closely mimic real joint motion, providing a breakthrough over the traditional ball-and-socket design. The result is a polymer-on-metal joint with unique articulation geometry.
Laboratory testing at EndoLab in Germany simulated over five years of walking, and showed that MaltaHip wears at least 75% less than conventional implants. Cadaveric surgeries by leading orthopaedic surgeons from Malta and the UK demonstrate that MaltaHip delivers excellent stability and can accommodate extreme joint angles without dislocating. MaltaHip will allow increased stability and a long-projected lifespan.
Traditional hip implants often last for only 15 to 25 years
MaltaHip is based on the combined research of academics at the University of Malta, including Pierre Schembri Wismayer, Donald Dalli, Joseph Buhagiar and Pierluigi Mollicone.
The project was initially supported by Xjenza Malta and the University of Malta’s TRAKE initiative. The technology is patented by the University of Malta and exclusively licensed to Garland Surgical Ltd, a university spin-out. CEO Simon Mifsud and CTO John Shapland lead the team advancing MaltaHip through commercialisation, regulatory steps and clinical trial planning.
Milestones achieved include establishing a new subsidiary at the Malta Life Sciences Park, recruiting key members such as co-inventor Dalli as principal development engineer, and securing €1.1 million in private funding from Dutch, Maltese, US and UK investors, as well as €1.4 million in grant funding through Malta Enterprise.
Although MaltaHip is not yet commercially available, its development showcases Malta’s growing role in medical device innovation, supporting job creation and sector growth.
For healthcare systems, longer-lasting and more stable implants could ease costs and improve efficiency by reducing the clinical and economic burdens associated with repeated hip replacements.
MaltaHip is a clear example of Maltese ingenuity and collaboration, advancing patient care and the country’s standing in global orthopaedic innovation.
Joseph Buhagiar is an associate professor and Leonardo Fanton is a senior researcher, both at the University of Malta’s Faculty of Engineering. Pierre Schembri Wismayer is a professor at the University of Malta’s Faculty of Medicine and Surgery. Simon Mifsud serves as CEO of Garland Surgical Ltd.
The development of the MaltaHip was funded by the setting up of Transdisciplinary Research And Knowledge Exchange (TRAKE) complex at the University of Malta (ERDF.01.124), which was co-financed through the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund 2014–2020.