Material selection is crucial when choosing the right set of knee replacement implants for a patient. The expanding orthopedic market provides surgeons with many materials, including titanium (Ti), cobalt-chromium (CoCr), stainless steel (SS), polyethylene, ceramic, etc. Of these materials, CoCr and Ti are the most commonly used for implant manufacturing.
CoCr and Ti have different clinical benefits, however, the lower modulus and light weight of a titanium knee implant position it above CoCr. Also, CoCr has shown signs of implant loosening in a few cases, which is a downside.
This helps us come to the answer that Titanium is an ideal choice of orthopedic implant material. With this, comes a detailed journal of history that will help you explore the beginning of Ti in the orthopedic industry. We bring you an in-depth guide that provides plenty of information about titanium implants.
Starting with origin, and features to talking tips that help increase the longevity of a titanium knee implant, we have covered it all in the blog. So, stay with us till the end!
Origin of Titanium Knee Implants: A Breakthrough in Orthopedic Biomaterials
Implants have been used in various forms since antiquity. It all started with an iron wire used to stabilize a fractured bone in the 18th century and moving fast forward we are today undergoing robotic-assisted orthopedic surgeries. However, as we advance towards intelligence and innovation, experts currently rely on an accessible medium for orthopedic treatments.
It was in the mid-20th century that orthopedic experts started using
titanium-based (Ti) implants for knee replacement, hip prostheses,
and other major surgeries. Due to its innumerable properties,
Ti brought new hope for surgeons and patients they can trust.
Corrosion resistance, lightweight nature, better strength-to-weight ratio,
and excellent biocompatibility - set it different from the rest of the materials.
The material can also form a strong interface with the surface it is placed on
without interfering with surrounding internal tissues.
In the next section, we shall discuss the features of titanium in detail!
Top Features of Titanium Knee Implants for Joint Replacement
Titanium and its associated alloys have proven to be an excellent choice of material in orthopedic speciality. Endless experiments and surgeries have been performed using it. The earlier orthopedic expert surgeons supervised these surgeries to ensure patients had a comfortable and pain-free life.
Let us now discuss the features of titanium that make it a preferred material choice for orthopedic implants for joint fractures like knee or hip replacement implants.
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Higher Strength-to-Weight Ratio: Various mechanical tests, such as yield strength, hardness, and tensile strength tests have proven that titanium is advantageous because of the S/W ratio. The strength and weight of each metal depend on how its molecules are packed in a structural form.
Given its lightweight, titanium can support more weight apart from its own, even if steel is stronger than it. This quality makes the metal critical for knee replacement cases, wherein, the entire body weight is targeted.
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Excellent Fatigue Resistance: Titanium is also better than other materials as it can withstand repeated stress cycles without fail. It is resistant to cracking into two because of fatigue caused by regular exertion of force and pressure.
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Biocompatibility: Owing to its tendency to react with oxygen, titanium forms an external protective layer of titanium oxide when exposed to such an environment. This oxide layer helps in preventing corrosion and also increases its biocompatibility with internal tissues. It is a barrier between the biological structure and the reactive titanium knee replacement implant.
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Biological Interfacing: Unlike other metals, titanium possesses an engineered biomimetic structure that boosts the number of cell contact areas, which strengthens the implant-bone bonds. This reduces the chance of implant rejection.
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Non-ferromagnetic Property: Another important reason that makes titanium the right choice - zero magnetic property. When inserted as an orthopedic implant, it is not threatening to a patient who is supposed to get an MRI scan. This property also reduces complications during any other diagnostic scan such as CT scans and X-rays.
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Osseointegration: The biomedical titanium implants can bond strongly with the osseous bone without any requirement of adhesive. All thanks to the reactive layer of titanium oxide which acts as an interactive surface between the bone and implant.
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Durability: The lightweight, biocompatibility, and bio-interface of the titanium implant indicate that it can last for a longer time.
Above mentioned features make titanium the best implant material. However, we recommend consulting with manufacturing experts and your surgeon about its expenses before deciding.
Best Tips to Enhance the Longevity of Your Titanium Knee Implant
The most common concern the majority of patients have after a titanium knee replacement surgery is - longevity. As important as it is for a surgeon to choose the right material, similarly, it is also mandatory for a patient to take care of the operated knee.
Here are a few precautions that patients must adhere to properly for a longer lifespan of Titanium implants:
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Restrain Heavy Impact Activities: Avoid running, jumping, and pounding activities after your titanium knee replacement surgery. It is because, after all, this is a prosthesis that is placed to restore the normal function of a knee joint.
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Avoid Overextending Your Knee Implant: Do not perform any movement that requires overextension of knee joints, as this can wear off the implant before its regular shelf life.
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Inform the Radiologist or Lab Technician: If you are undergoing an MRI scan in the future, then remember to always inform the radiologist to ensure that there is no issue.
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Quit Alcohol and Smoking: It is always advised to quit smoking and intake of alcohol as it may delay the recovery process.
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Be Precautious About Your Dental Treatment: If you plan root canal treatment, tell your dentist about the titanium knee replacement surgery. Bacteria from the root of the tooth can enter the bloodstream during RCT and form multiple bacterial colonies, which can cause infection in the operated knee.
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Stay Confined to Low Impact Routine: After a couple of weeks of surgery, you are allowed to continue your regular activities, such as walking, jogging, cycling, and any other low-impact sports activities.
For someone who strictly follows the mentioned precautions, it is a question of concern for how long a titanium knee implant can last. Well, a Titanium-based orthopedic implant can perform its functions efficiently for approximately 15 to 20 years without causing any discomfort to the user. A few people have also reported that their knee implants lasted beyond two decades.
Conclusive Notes:
Overall, titanium is the right choice of implant material. However, every decision you make should be finalized after proper research and development alongside consultation with industry experts. Also, a specialist can help you get accurate information with a breakdown of costs associated with a titanium implant and its customization. This, as a whole, will help you make a satisfactory decision for moving a step ahead towards your well-being.
If you want to proceed, talk to our experts for in-depth knowledge of titanium knee replacement implant properties and associated expenses.