Orthopedic implants have become an essential component of modern orthopedic medicine. Recent advancements in the field of orthopedics have enabled orthopedic surgeons perform state-of-the-art implant procedures to help patients enhance or regain their mobility and associated functionalities.
In the field of orthopedic surgery implants refer to devices that are placed within or over bones to hold a fracture or damage while it heals. Prosthetic devices replace a part or whole of an inoperative joint. (In this context,implants may be placed inside or outside the body).
When are orthopedic implants used?
Orthopedic implant surgeries are commonly performed on patients affected by osteoarthritis, degenerative joint diseases and orthopedic injuries requiring replacement of one or more joint structures.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that primarily affects the cartilage and the underlying bone. It may lead to stiffness and pain in the knee, hip and thumb joints. When the cartilage wears off, it may lead to painful bone to bone contact. Cartilage can break down due to obesity or lack of movement in joints. Orthopedic surgeons suggest implants as an option only if all other non-surgical treatments including weight loss fail.
Types of orthopedic implants
There are a many different types of orthopedic implants used, and each implant is specifically designed to correct the affected joint. These implants withstand the associated movement and stress, enhance mobility and alleviate pain. On a broad basis, orthopedic implants are available for the shoulder, hip, knee and elbow.
Your orthopedic surgeon will discuss with you and advice as to which specific implant is right for your condition, age and life style.
Implants can be classified into the following types - hip prosthesis, skull implants, spine implants, external fixators, angled blade plates, wires and pins, cannulated screws, interlocking nails, maxillofacial implants etc. Screws, pins, rods and plates are the most common types of orthopedic implants that are used to anchor fractured bones while they heal.
Success rates
Researches show that orthopedic implants are extremely biocompatible and safe, and only ten percent of patients who undergo an implant surgery are at a risk of experiencing infection or other complications during their lifetime.
Complications
As with any other invasive surgical procedure, orthopedic implants may lead to certain complications such as pain, inflammation and bacterial infection at the site of the implant. It is also possible for the immune system of the host to reject the implant. However, these complications can be corrected with timely medical intervention.
Materials used for implants
Orthopedic implants are generally made up of a combination of titanium alloys, stainless steel and plastics. Titanium provides stability and strength to the implant. Bio-compatible plastics that are used as a lining on the edges of the implant act as artificial cartilages to absorb shock and provide support for movement of the joints.Polymers, synthetic materials and natural materials like polysaccharides, gelatin and collagen are also used for manufacturing implants.
Choosing the right orthopedic surgeon
If you are searching for an orthopedic surgeon, it is important that you first identify what type of disease or injury you have. Because implant surgeries require a high level of professionalism and experience, it is good to consider a surgeon,s area of specialization and the years of general and surgical experience in the field.
In the field of orthopedic surgery implants refer to devices that are placed within or over bones to hold a fracture or damage while it heals. Prosthetic devices replace a part or whole of an inoperative joint. (In this context,implants may be placed inside or outside the body).
When are orthopedic implants used?
Orthopedic implant surgeries are commonly performed on patients affected by osteoarthritis, degenerative joint diseases and orthopedic injuries requiring replacement of one or more joint structures.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that primarily affects the cartilage and the underlying bone. It may lead to stiffness and pain in the knee, hip and thumb joints. When the cartilage wears off, it may lead to painful bone to bone contact. Cartilage can break down due to obesity or lack of movement in joints. Orthopedic surgeons suggest implants as an option only if all other non-surgical treatments including weight loss fail.
Types of orthopedic implants
There are a many different types of orthopedic implants used, and each implant is specifically designed to correct the affected joint. These implants withstand the associated movement and stress, enhance mobility and alleviate pain. On a broad basis, orthopedic implants are available for the shoulder, hip, knee and elbow.
Your orthopedic surgeon will discuss with you and advice as to which specific implant is right for your condition, age and life style.
Implants can be classified into the following types - hip prosthesis, skull implants, spine implants, external fixators, angled blade plates, wires and pins, cannulated screws, interlocking nails, maxillofacial implants etc. Screws, pins, rods and plates are the most common types of orthopedic implants that are used to anchor fractured bones while they heal.
Success rates
Researches show that orthopedic implants are extremely biocompatible and safe, and only ten percent of patients who undergo an implant surgery are at a risk of experiencing infection or other complications during their lifetime.
Complications
As with any other invasive surgical procedure, orthopedic implants may lead to certain complications such as pain, inflammation and bacterial infection at the site of the implant. It is also possible for the immune system of the host to reject the implant. However, these complications can be corrected with timely medical intervention.
Materials used for implants
Orthopedic implants are generally made up of a combination of titanium alloys, stainless steel and plastics. Titanium provides stability and strength to the implant. Bio-compatible plastics that are used as a lining on the edges of the implant act as artificial cartilages to absorb shock and provide support for movement of the joints.Polymers, synthetic materials and natural materials like polysaccharides, gelatin and collagen are also used for manufacturing implants.
Choosing the right orthopedic surgeon
If you are searching for an orthopedic surgeon, it is important that you first identify what type of disease or injury you have. Because implant surgeries require a high level of professionalism and experience, it is good to consider a surgeon,s area of specialization and the years of general and surgical experience in the field.
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