Orthopedic implants
Orthopedic implants are highly specialized medical devices, typically composed of metals, ceramics, or polymers, that are surgically placed within the human body to restore function, stabilize fractures, replace diseased joints, or correct structural deformities, acting as an essential pillar of modern musculoskeletal healthcare.
The long-term success of these implants is fundamentally determined by the material's **biocompatibility**—its ability to exist in harmony with biological tissues without causing adverse local or systemic reactions—and its mechanical properties, which must withstand the intense, repetitive forces encountered during normal human movement.
In **total joint arthroplasty** (e.g., hip and knee replacement), the implant components are designed to articulate smoothly and last for decades. Materials like titanium, cobalt-chrome alloys, and advanced polyethylene (for bearing surfaces) are chosen for their excellent mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and low friction. The method of **fixation** is critical: implants can be cemented (using bone cement for immediate stability) or cementless (relying on…
