The Charnley® Hip was named after its inventor: Sir John Charnley of England. Sir Charnley began studying low-friction hip joint replacements in the late 1950s. The first joint replacement was used in humans around 1960. The implant remains the best-selling cemented hip system in the world.

The surgeon worked closely with the manufacturing company to improve the original designs for low friction hip arthroplasty. New (heavier) stems were devised. Different step sizes were developed. Improvements were made in the cup (socket) design.

Newer designs of hip implants are on the market today, but none have surpassed the Charnley® for durability. There is no universal agreement as to which design is best. Each surgeon selects what seems best for the patient. In some cases the doctor uses what he or she was trained to use.