Table of Contents
What is the important use of tantalum in the field of orthopedics?
Porous tantalum is a biomaterial that was recently introduced in orthopedics in order to overcome problems related to implant loosening. It is found to have osteoconductive, and possibly, osteoinductive properties hence useful in difficult cases with severe bone defects.
Why titanium is used for orthopedic implants?
Metallic alloys such as titanium continue to be one of the most important components used in orthopaedic implant devices due to favorable properties of high strength, rigidity, fracture toughness and their reliable mechanical performance as replacement for hard tissues.
Is tantalum used in surgery?
Tantalum implants have been used in general surgery and neurosurgery for over half a century and no problems have ever been reported concerning biocompatibility. pliable sheets and plates for cranioplasty (skull) and other reconstructive surgery.
What kind of metal is used in orthopedic surgery?
Titanium is a common metal used for implantation in orthopedic surgery. While titanium is a metallic element, the majority of orthopedic “titanium implants” are, in fact, alloys.
What material is used for implants?
Titanium (Ti) and its alloys (mainly Ti-6Al-4V) have become the metals of choice for dental implants. However, prosthetic components of the implants are still made from gold alloys, stainless steel, and cobalt-chromium and nickel-chromium alloys[3].
Does bone grow into titanium?
Its ability to physically bond with bone gives titanium an advantage over other materials that require the use of an adhesive to remain attached. Titanium implants last longer and much higher forces are required to break the bonds that join them to the body compared to their alternatives.
What is tantalum used in?
Tantalum is used in a variety of alloys to add high strength, ductility and a high melting point. When drawn into a fine wire, it’s used as a filament for evaporating metals such as aluminum. More than half of tantalum’s use is for electrolytic capacitors and vacuum furnace parts.
What type of metal is used in neck surgery?
Titanium is used to make screws, plates, rods, and anterior interbody cages used in spinal surgery.
Can metal implants rust?
Dental implants are resistant to rust, but not invulnerable to it. Reactions between the jawbone, the metal implant and saliva can generate tiny pulses of electricity that can, over a long period of time, begin to corrode dental implants.
Why is stainless steel good for implants?
Stainless steel is the least corrosion resistant, and it is used for temporary implants only. The titanium and Co-Cr alloys do not corrode in the body; however, metal ions slowly diffuse through the oxide layer and accumulate in the tissue.
Why is polyethylene used in implants?
A polyethylene implant is a porous synthetic polymer that is biologically inert and non-biodegradable in the body. The porosity of high density polyethylene allows for soft tissue and vascular ingrowth, which helps in keeping the implant in place.
Why are polymers used in implants?
In osseointegrated implants, polymers are used as bonds between prosthesis and implant in order to absorb shocks and to simulate the natural tooth’s biomechanical function.