Orthopaedic implants are medical devices that are designed to repair or replace bones or joints that are damaged, deformed, or missing. Over the years, advances in both surgical techniques and in the devices themselves have made orthopaedic implants safer and more durable, with improved longevity. Find out more about orthopaedic implants below.
1. Orthopaedic implants have a variety of uses
Orthopaedic implants are often associated with joint replacement surgery to replace all or part of a painful joint that has deteriorated over time through injury or a condition such as arthritis. However, orthopaedic implants have multiple uses and can restore bone, joints, cartilage, and other tissues, that may be missing, deformed, or have got damaged through injury or disease.
Orthopaedic implants used in joint replacements are known as prosthetics, which are artificial devices designed to replicate a natural joint. Other popular types of implants, such as screws and plates, are predominantly used to repair fractured bones or to stabilize a weak or vulnerable area.
2. There are a range of different materials used to make orthopaedic implants
Orthopaedic implants are made from a variety of materials to allow for pain-free movement, to help them function properly, and to help them feel as natural as possible. Metallic implants such as titanium and titanium alloy are generally the most widely used implants, because of their strength and durability. Alloy is also the material typically used in screws and plates that hold broken pieces of bone together.
However, there is also a range of other materials that are used, or that are being developed, to mimic natural bone, joints, and other tissues, such as ceramics and plastics. Bioceramics is a type of material that is used to repair or replace damaged bone tissues due to its resemblance to natural bone. A plastic called highly cross-linked polyethylene, which has very low-wearing properties is a type of technology being explored that could help to make implants more durable.
Some procedures, such as hip replacement surgery, utilize a combination of implant materials to achieve the best results, such as metal-on-polyethene, ceramic-on-polyethene, or ceramic-on-metal implants. If you are having orthopaedic implants, your surgeon will determine the best type of implant for you, based on factors such as your age, medical condition, bone health, activity level, and personal preferences.
3. Orthopaedic implants can last upwards of 10 years
Based on medical studies of orthopaedic implants, it is believed that approximately 90% of modern total knee and hip joint replacements still function well for up to 10-15 years, and in some cases, can last 20 years or longer. With advances in technology and more durable and newer materials being explored, it means that the newer generation of joint replacements could last longer.
4. Orthopaedic implants are increasingly common
Joint pain is a common problem, and it is calculated that as many as 12.5 million adults see their healthcare provider about joint pain each year. Over the years, joint replacement surgeries have grown in popularity and are becoming increasingly common amongst the younger generation, although the prevalence is higher among women and increases with age. There are an estimated 800,000 knee replacement surgeries alone being performed annually in the United States.
5. Orthopaedic implants are safe, but not suitable for everyone
Although orthopaedic implant surgery is generally considered safe, and complications are very rare, not everyone is a candidate for this type of surgery. As with all types of surgical procedures, there can be risks involved with implant surgery, such as infection, nerve damage, or malfunctioning of the implant. Also, the younger you are, the more chance there is of needing revision surgery in the future, which can be a much more complex procedure. Your surgeon will thoroughly evaluate your condition before recommending an orthopaedic implant and will always explore more conservative treatments before considering surgery.
6. Orthopaedic implants can allow people to have a new lease on life
Chronic joint pain and mobility issues can have a significant impact on all areas of life and prevent you from carrying out the activities you enjoy. However, joint replacement surgeries can give those with chronic joint problems a new lease on life, restoring the normal, pain-free function of the joint.
With significant advancements and technological breakthroughs, it means joint replacement surgeries and implants are more precise than ever before. This ensures better comfort and agility, as well as the capacity to return to an active, pain-free lifestyle following a joint replacement procedure.
7. It’s not just hip and knee joints that can be replaced
Although knees and hips are by far the most common type of joint replacement, replacement surgery can be performed on many other joints, including the shoulder, ankle, wrist, elbow, fingers, toes, and jaw. Because the longevity and function of orthopaedic implants have been constantly improved, it means joint replacement surgery can be a good option for patients living with chronic joint pain and disability.
Orthopaedic Services in Pembroke Pines and Lauderdale Lakes, Florida
If you have a musculoskeletal disorder and are looking for expert orthopaedic care, visit Total Orthopaedic Care. Our outstanding fellowship-trained, board-certified orthopaedic surgeons address a wide variety of disorders affecting bones, cartilage, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, in patients of all ages.
We offer a comprehensive range of services, including general orthopaedics, total joint reconstruction and total joint replacement surgeries, advanced arthroscopic procedures, sports medicine, hand and wrist treatments, PRP and biologic therapies, and more.
To learn more about our services or to book a consultation with one of our experts, call us at (954) 735-3535 or you can use our convenient online appointment request form. Visit us at one of our two convenient locations in Lauderdale Lakes or Pembroke Pines, Florida. We provide same-day appointments for acute and new injuries!
