BJI Grand Challenge research focuses on implant longevity.

In a 2026 CBC Radio interview, BJI Grand Challenge co-Lead Dr. Yolanda Hedberg talks about emerging research showing that medical implants-like hip and knee replacements-can slowly corrode and wear down inside the body, even when they’re functioning as expected.

She explains that the body is a highly active environment where chemistry, movement, and biological reactions constantly interact with implanted materials over time. Importantly, she emphasizes that corrosion doesn’t necessarily mean something has gone wrong-many implants still last for years and greatly improve quality of life.

This BJI Grand Challenge research will help us to better understand how implants wear over the long term, which will help researchers design improved materials and devices, leading to implants that last longer and perform even better for patients.