Some Amusing Facts about Orthopedic Implants Material

An orthopedic implant has its role in the fixation process. Physicians choose the fixation process after considering corrosion, rigidity, tissue receptivity, and biocompatibility. The surface morphology depends on the stability within the surrounding cement mantle and skeleton.

An implant fixes a fractured bone or a missing joint. Doctors use different types of bio-metals for orthopedic implants. They suggest temporary fracture fixation devices or permanent joint replacement as the situation of the patients' demands.

What are the various types of implant materials?

Orthopedic implant manufacturers invest in research and development to develop their materials. You may not know that implant materials are of three types. Metals, ceramics, and polymers are common in prosthetic devices.

In orthopedic surgery, manufacturers use bio metals like cobalt-chromium, stainless steel, and titanium. Due to technological advancement, there is a lesser worry in orthopedic implants today. In non-permanent implants, stainless steel is the pivotal metal used as internal fixation devices.

Why Is Titanium So Popular For Orthopedic Implant?

Medical equipment manufacturers in India also use cobalt-based alloys and titanium as implant materials. In India, the Titanium implant is accepted widely. It is in high demand because of its corrosion-resistant properties. This metal surpasses nickel, cobalt, and chromium because the latter are carcinogenic.

The manufacturers use hydroxyapatite for titanium and its alloys. From porous implant fixation to early bone ingrowth, calcium phosphate implant plays a crucial role.

What Do You Not Know About Orthopedic Implants?

Pure commercial titanium or titanium alloys like Ti-6AI-4V are highly biocompatible. It has titanium oxide on the surface. The layer made of titanium oxide is crumbly and porous. Metals like aluminum or vanadium could be detrimental to the human body.

You may be unaware of the fact that titanium implants are the most biocompatible option. The implant debris may cause adverse tissue response that may give rise to aseptic loosening.

Role of Polymers in Orthopedic Implants:

One must evaluate the quality of polymers in the orthopedic implant. Monomers, after a chemical reaction, take the shape of polymers. The monomer has a carbon atom in its center.

Orthopedic surgery must meet its biomechanical needs. The manufacturers must be attentive to the clinical state. The polymer used in the orthopedic implant is high-density polyethylene or ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene. Polyethylene can best attach with ceramic or metal.

The manufacturers should pay adequate attention to the 'wear' and 'creep' properties of polymers. Polymer chain reaction depends upon the temperature. The chemical features of orthopedic implants depend upon many things. They are physical, biological, mechanical, Tribological, and physicochemical properties. To improve the quantitative and qualitative characteristics, the companies should implement safety norms. Never undermine the hazards associated with various kinds of orthopedic implants.

Manufacturers also use carbon fiber for the reinforcement of polyethylene. However, there is room for improvement in tensile strength and creep. But the process involves a decrease of surface resistance.

Importance of Self-curing Bone Cement:

Medical equipment manufacturers in India use acrylic polymer known as 'self-curing bone cement.' Nowadays, cementing techniques are widely in use for prosthetic implants. It helps in mechanical anchoring and transfers the load to the bone.

Characteristics of Ideal Orthopedic Implant Material:

• Elastic modulus
• Resistance
• Inertness
• Corrosion
• Biocompatibility
• Risk analysis
• Strength

The Role of Ceramics in Orthopaedic Implant:

Doctors choose the type of orthopedic surgery after examining the patients. Doctors use calcium phosphate or aluminum oxide in ceramic materials. These products are resistant to compression. However, the ceramic used in orthopedic implants are brittle, shear, and weak.

Some other metals like titanium, stainless steel, cobalt-chromium, and some non-metals like polymers, composites, and ceramic are popular in orthopedic implants. 'Hot-pressing' is a popular application that involves aluminum oxide ceramics.

Some essential facts that you should never forget

• A surgeon can select the elastic modulus that can best soothe the patients.
• Ceramic is low-resilient. It influences propagation and cracks initiation.
• Calcium phosphate has good reactivity and a high degree of biocompatibility.
• Silicon oxide and zirconium oxide are other ceramic materials used in orthopedic implants.