What are orthopedic implants?

Orthopedic implants are artificial devices incorporated into bones and joints to restore normal functions. Orthopedic implants often act as joint replacements in cases where hips, knee, shoulder or elbow were damaged by injuries or diseases such as osteoarthritis, where joint wear leads to pain and stiffness. Orthopedic implants are usually used only when methods of non -surgical treatment have failed. They tend to wear after several years, and for this reason, younger people may need to replace implants at some point. Implants can be determined on site in different ways. Cement or screws can be used to anchor them or be held in the pressure of their surroundings. Bones growing from the whole orthopedic implant can often help secure it. Sometimes one part is implanted, while another is not the other part, as is the case with the type of hip replacement, referred to as a hybrid where the stem bearing part of the ball can be fixed by cement,While the reception cup is not.

titanium orthopedic implants have the advantages that they are strong but light, and the body usually does not respond to them. The disadvantage is that it is difficult for bone cells to stick to the shiny surface of the metal, making it difficult to fusion with the bone in healing. Progress in research is to find new ways to better etch microscopic tubes called nanotubes to the surface of titanium, which was a process that was previously too expensive to be practical. The structure of these nanotubes makes them attractive to water and provides a suitable environment for cell growth.

Although orthopedic implants have advantages, such as increasing mobility and reducing the pain associated with injury or degenerative joint diseases there are some disadvantages that sometimes occur. Implants can relax or break and the body rarely can react against them. Sometimes an infection can be set up, which may cause it to be replacedimplant. Bacteria can grow on the surface of the orthopedic implant, creating what is called biofilm, and to solve it, the implant must be removed and infections are treated before replacing. Research of what is called hydrogels can offer hope for the future, as these water absorbing substances are hostile for bacteria, still allowing bone cell growth, and can be added to the implant surface to minimize the chances of gripping infection.