Scientists at Oxford University have created the first 3D model of human joints showing how common medical complaints have arisen and how we are likely to evolve in the future.

The researchers created 3D computer models of human joints by scanning 224 bone specimens.

By using 3D engineering and mathematical methods the group have produced 3D ‘morphs’ to plot changes in the shapes of species throughout human lineage.

Dr Paul Monk who led the research at the Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal sciences said: “Throughout our lineage we have been adapting the shape of our joints, which leads to a range of new challenges for orthopaedic surgeons.

“Recently there has been an increase in common problems such as anterior knee pain, and shoulder pain when reaching overhead, which led us to look at how joints originally came to look and function the way they do.

“These models will enable us to identify the root causes of many modern joint conditions, as well as enabling us to anticipate future problems that are likely to begin to appear based on lifestyle and genetic changes.

“Current trends reveal that the modern shapes of joint replacements won’t work in the future, meaning that we will need to re-think our approach for many common surgeries.

“We also wanted to see what we’re all going to look like in the future, and to answer questions such as ‘are we evolving to be taller and faster or weaker’, and ‘might we be evolving to need hip replacements earlier in the future?’'