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There are numerous types of implants commonly used in orthopedic surgeries. Depending on the surgical site, the patient’s condition and needs, doctors will select the appropriate implant. The following are the commonly used implants in orthopedic surgeries and their characteristics:
First, metal implants
Steel plates and screws
Usage: Mainly used for the fixation and reduction of fractures. By combining plates and screws, the fracture ends are stably fixed together to promote fracture healing.
Materials: Usually made of metals such as stainless steel and titanium alloy, these materials have excellent mechanical properties and biocompatibility.
Features: The design of steel plates and screws is diverse, allowing for personalized selection based on the type and location of the fracture.
Intramedullary nail
Usage: It is suitable for long bone fractures, such as femur, tibia, etc. The insertion of intramedullary nails can fix the fracture ends and maintain the stability of the bone.
Material: Also made of metal, such as titanium alloy.
Characteristics: Intramedullary nail surgery has small trauma, reliable fixation effect, and is conducive to the early functional exercise of patients.
Artificial joint
Usage: It is used in joint replacement surgeries, such as artificial hip joints, knee joints, shoulder joints, etc. By implanting artificial joints, joint function can be restored and pain alleviated.
Materials: Artificial joints are usually made of metals (such as cobalt-chromium alloys, titanium alloys), polymer materials (such as polyethylene), and ceramics, etc.
Features: The design of artificial joints is increasingly close to the natural joints of the human body, with a long service life and good functional recovery after surgery.
Second, non-metallic implants
Bone cement
Usage: In joint replacement surgery, bone cement is used to fix the interface between artificial joint prostheses and bones, thereby enhancing the stability of the prostheses.
Material: Made of polymers such as methyl methacrylate.
Characteristics: After curing, bone cement has good mechanical properties and biocompatibility, but long-term use may lead to problems such as loosening and wear.
Bio-ceramics
Application: Bioceramic implants such as hydroxyapatite can be used for filling and repairing bone defects and promoting bone tissue regeneration.
Material: Bio-ceramics have excellent biocompatibility and bone conductivity.
Characteristics: Biocerceramic implants can form a good bond with bone tissue, but their strength is relatively low, making them suitable for bone defect repair in non-load-bearing areas.
Absorbable material
Usage: Such as absorbable screws, absorbable steel plates, etc., used for the fixation of fractures. These materials can gradually degrade and be absorbed by tissues in the body, avoiding the pain of being removed through a second operation.
Materials: Usually made of high molecular materials such as polylactic acid and polyglycolic acid.
Characteristics: The absorbable material has good biocompatibility and degradability, but its mechanical strength is relatively low. It is suitable for the fixation of fractures in children or non-load-bearing areas.
Third, special functional implants
Spinal fusion device
Usage: It is used in spinal fusion surgery. By implanting a fusion device, it promotes bony fusion between adjacent vertebrae and stabilizes the spinal structure.
Materials: Usually made of metals, polymer materials or bio-ceramics.
Features: Spinal fusion devices are designed in a variety of ways and can be personalized based on the location and severity of spinal lesions.
Sports medicine implants
Applications: such as artificial ligaments, interface screws, threaded anchors, etc., for the treatment and repair of sports injuries.
Materials: Usually made of polymer materials, metals or biodegradable materials.
Features: These implants can restore the stability and function of joints and promote the healing of sports injuries.