Kevin Hardinge

Hardinge.  Mr. Kevin Hardinge, a retired consultant orthopaedic surgeon, has died at home at the age of 86 years. Born in Douglas, Isle of Man, he was brought up by his mother Frances, along with two older brothers Paul and Michael, and younger sister Kay. Proud of his Manx heritage, he had a lifelong passion for kippers, soused herrings and TT races. At Douglas High School for Boys he excelled and won the Mayor's prize for leadership, and in 1962 began his medical degree at Liverpool University. After qualifying, he pursued a career in orthopaedic surgery, continuing his training in the Liverpool area. He became a Consultant at the age of 34, initially at Manchester Royal Infirmary, then moving to Wrightington Hospital in 1976, where Sir John Charnley had pioneered hip replacement surgery. At Wrightington, his highly successful career centred on advancements in joint replacement surgery: he developed a new operative technique called the 'Hardinge direct lateral approach to the hip', designed hip and knee prostheses, and also a novel device called the 'Hardinge Cement Restrictor', which is in widespread use in hip replacement surgery to this day. His many academic publications led to widespread recognition and, always an entertaining speaker, he gave invited lectures at 94 national and 75 international meetings. In total he performed over 6000 hip replacements and 2000 knee replacements and was particularly delighted to treat patients from the Isle of Man. He lived in Knutsford, Cheshire for 48 years with his wife Honor, to whom he was married for 62 years, and was a devoted father to his two daughters Maxine and Melissa, and five grandchildren. Loved by his friends for his humanity and sense of humour, he maintained a wide range of interests, including a passion for jazz music, motor racing and classic cars.