The use of titanium in plastic surgery

The use of titanium in plastic surgery

Titanium began to be used in orthopedic implants about 70 years ago. As technology improved and titanium alloys became more popular, the metal was used to develop shoulder joints and hip sockets. Even dental implants and hearing AIDS, which are made of titanium, last longer than other materials.

titanium

Titanium, a common choice for orthopedic implants

Manufacturers are beginning to recognize the natural properties the metal must have, so they are beginning to use titanium in plastic surgery implants. It has an incredible strength/weight ratio, excellent corrosion resistance, and most importantly, it is 100% biocompatible.

It was soon discovered that titanium even facilitated the bone integration process, forming a physical bond with the bone (without the need for other adhesive substances). In addition, it has been determined that titanium implants can withstand high energy (without breaking). They don't react very long to the environment they're in (and in some cases don't need to be replaced).

Today, titanium is used not only for internal fixation, but also for prosthetics, medical devices and internal devices. Some alloys are preferred for both medical and dental implants, such as Ti-6Al-4V and Ti-6Al-4V ELI. These are alpha-beta alloys that are usually alloyed with aluminum and vanadium. They provide a high level of fracture resistance, not to mention they promote bone integration (faster recovery).

Titanium is known to be an inert metal, thanks to a protective oxide film that forms when exposed to oxygen (which occurs naturally). The metal is resistant to damage caused by bodily fluids and tissues, meaning it is not rejected by our bodies.

So you'll see titanium used in skull plates, elbows and knees, and even ribs. Bone screws, staples and cables can be made of titanium. All orthopedic implants made of titanium provide excellent support for fractured bones, thus facilitating the fixation process.

New titanium alloy for orthopedic implants

For plastic surgery implants, beta titanium alloys have long been of interest because of their good formability and excellent mechanical properties. They have amazing corrosion resistance, as well as high levels of mechanical and fatigue strength.

One of the main reasons that beta titanium alloy is used in plastic surgery implants is its low elastic modulus. Recently, a new β-alloy, Ti-35Nb-7Zr-5Ta, has been developed for such applications. The alloy is produced by powder metallurgy and has a porous structure, making it a suitable choice for successful bone integration.

Titanium elastic nail system for treatment of long bone fractures in children

The titanium elastic nail system (TEN) is designed to fix diaphysis fractures of long bones. Such bones have narrow medullary canals, so it is important to be able to use flexible implants. TEN is preferred because it reduces the risk of complications.

The primary benefit of using the titanium elastic nail system is immediate stability after surgery. This allows early mobilization of the parts involved, allowing the patient to resume normal activities in a relatively short time. In addition, this plastic surgical implant has a low complication rate and is a minimally invasive procedure.

It can be used for pediatric fractures in children ages 5 to 14. The system is safe and reliable and recommended for long bones. The intervention time is short, the recovery is fast and the functional prognosis is good.

Thanks to TEN, patients can bear weight sooner and recover quickly with little disruption to bone growth. It is also worth mentioning that the titanium elastic nail system can be used for such fractures regardless of location or style.

Vertical expandable titanium rib prosthesis

The prosthetic titanium rib is an innovative device designed to stabilize the spine and ribs of two pediatric chest wall deformities. The curved metal bar is designed to improve breathing and is also recommended for the treatment of severe scoliosis. Medical experts have also used titanium ribs (involving the removal of multiple ribs) in children who need chest reconstruction after cancer surgery.

Children diagnosed with thoracic insufficiency syndrome may also benefit from prosthetic titanium ribs. The device straightens the spine and separates the ribs, allowing the lungs to expand more efficiently in the newly created space. Also, it stabilizes the diaphragm, the muscle used for breathing.

The artificial titanium ribs are tailored to each child and their needs. It is important to understand that the device is scalable. As the child grows, new interventions will be made to increase body length.

Titanium nanotubes can achieve more efficient bone integration

Titanium nanotubes can improve bone integration in plastic surgery implants while reducing the risk of bacterial colonization. Armed with this discovery, the researchers enhanced the surface of the titanium implant with titanium nanotubes.

Orthopedic implants treated with titanium dioxide nanotubes ensure more efficient bone integration. Thus, it strengthens the bond between the implant and the bone. In patients who received the implant, early weight bearing was excellent.

Graphene-coated titanium alloys -- More effective osteogenesis and bone integration

The graphene-titanium alloy coating can actually enhance the bioactivation of its surface, which will further support effective osteogenesis and bone integration processes. The graphene coating improves the biocompatibility of titanium alloys, promotes bone tissue regeneration and improves bone-implant bonding.

Graphene is an innovative nanocoating material that promotes the biological activity of titanium alloys and facilitates the processes described above. This plastic surgery implant has high mechanical strength and fracture toughness, corrosion resistance and 100% biocompatibility.