Out of a sample of 312 patients who had undergone hip replacement surgery, 162 suffered complications 10 years later. To test if certain genetic variations were responsible for the success of this surgery, DNA samples were taken from from all participants. It was discovered that patients with variations in MMP1 (matrix metalloproteinase 1- an enzyme that breaks down collagen, the main protein in bone) were more than three times as likely than patients lacking the variation to develop "aseptic loosening", a condition where the artificial joint loosens and the surrounding bone starts to disintergrate. In addition, genetic variations concerning the vitamin D receptor gene (vitamin D is necessary for strong, healthy bones) doubled a patient's chance of deep infection.
The researchers concluded that with further research these findings could help predict the long-term success of hip replacement surgery as well as develop targeted genetic treatments.
Link: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/03/070314195704.htm
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