At the core of every successful surgical implant is the material used to make it. The choice of materials used in manufacturing implants greatly influences its reliability, durability, functionality, and how the body will respond to its presence. In the recent past, the growing scientific research on the materials front has led to the introduction of a new range of materials and modifications to existing ones. These developments are improving the efficacy, performance, safety, and reliability of surgical implants.

We can say that advancements in material sciences are shaping the future of medical implants. Keep reading as we delve further into the criticality of materials and the various advancements driving the future of implants.

The Science Behind Material Used in Implants

Surgical implants are tasked with a critical job – improving the quality of life of patients. This could be by improving the survivability of patients, enhancing their mobility and flexibility, restoring body functions, and so on. For this, implants need to integrate seamlessly with the patient’s body.

Moreover, implants must last longer and have minimal adverse impacts including infections, implant failure, the risk of bodily fluids and organs reacting to its presence, consequent patient hospitalization and so on. Only then will implantation be successful and useful to the patient.

In essence, material science and engineering must synergistically blend with medical and biological sciences in the manufacturing of implants.

The Principal Requirements of Materials Used in Surgical Implants

Biocompatibility: This is paramount as most implants are placed within the human body and they need to be compatible, not causing any detrimental local/ systemic responses or allergic reactions.

  • The implant material should not react with our bodily fluids which will cause adverse effects such as infections, complications, or implant rejection.
  • The implant must not corrode when placed inside the body as it erodes its performance, strength, and durability. Corrosion may cause roughening of the implant surface, weakening the process of restoration, or reduce the longevity of the implant. Further, corrosion causes the release of ions/ elements of the metal which will react with the fluid and cause complications, allergic reactions, and tissue damage.
  • The implant material should not create adverse tissue response when placed inside the body as it increases the risks of implant infection, patient discomfort, and the need for further hospitalization.

This is why materials like titanium and performance polymers like PEEK which are highly biocompatible are preferred.

Biofunctionality: Implants are successful only when they can perform their intended function in the human body. For instance, a spinal rod or screw is intended to immobilize bones and provide stability to the spine. A spinal cage, on the other hand, needs to offer flexibility and osseointegration to allow growth of the bone/ bone graft. Surgical implants, especially those used in spinal and ortho surgeries, must be able to bear the load of the bones and body. Else, the chances of implants slipping away, or breaking is high. Based on the nature and goals of the implantation surgery, surgery-grade stainless steel, titanium, performance polymers, or certain alloy-based materials are chosen.

Strength and Durability: It goes without saying that implants need to handle everyday stress without breaking or wearing down excessively. The choice of implant material has a direct impact on the tensile strength, fatigue strength, sturdiness, and durability of the implant. Surgery-grade stainless steel and titanium are known to offer incredible strength and sturdiness.

Flexibility and Ductility: Implants sometimes need to be flexible and ductile to ensure better fit and improved implant placement. In such cases, surgeons prefer implants made with performance polymers such as PEEK that enable them to adjust the implant to fit the patient’s anatomy more precisely.

Weight & Elasticity: The weight and elasticity of the implant must be comparable to the human bone. This will help ensure a more uniform distribution of stress at the implant. Titanium and PEEK implants, being lighter than stainless steel, are preferred.

Tissue Response: It is important that the implant seamlessly integrates with the body without minimal chances of tissue damage, inflammation, allergic reactions, infections, or discomfort. Only approved and surgery-grade materials should be used to ensure that there are fewer adverse effects.

Design and Structure: Implant design and structure play a crucial role in the functionality and optimal performance of the implants. Engineers typically consider factors like stress distribution, load-bearing capacity, and optimal positioning within the body while designing implants, making sure they fit optimally and are able to accommodate diverse patient anatomies.

How is Material Science Influencing the Future of Implants?

Material science is a field studying the relationship between the structure of a material, its properties, and how it’s processed or made. When applied to implants, it helps us to understand and evaluate how different implant materials interact with the bodily fluids when placed inside the human body. It studies the risks of corrosion, implant degradation, implant failure, etc. and evaluates the longevity and strength of the implant.

It also studies if a chosen material will be effective in accomplishing surgical goals such as restoring function, improving movement, immobilizing a body part, enabling bone growth, correcting deformities and so on. The advancements in material engineering and science have also enabled various implant innovations, helping push the boundaries of what is possible and develop implants that assure long-term success.

Here are some ways in which material research and advancements have improved implants.

Newer Materials: Until a few decades back, stainless steel was widely used in crafting implants. Continued research and improvements have not only led to improvements in surgery-grade stainless steel but also the deployment of titanium and performance polymers in implant manufacturing.

Surface Treatments: The use of antimicrobial and nano coatings, as well as texturing are enhancing the implant’s performance. They can improve wear resistance, promote bone growth, or reduce risks of allergic reactions, infections and implant corrosion.

Customizability: Whether it is to customize implants for unique patient anatomies or to improve the fit and precision of implants, 3D printing technology is leveraged. The availability of biocompatible printing materials has only it possible to 3D print implants.

Future Advancements: Research is ongoing to improve the performance, durability, and biocompatibility of implants. Particular areas of interest are bio-absorbable implants that degrade over time and smart implants with built-in sensors for remote monitoring, preempting implant failure/ issues and proactively correcting them.

Conclusion

Materials used in manufacturing surgical implants have direct consequences for the patient and need to be chosen with utmost care. By choosing the right implant materials, surgeons can improve surgical outcomes, ensure long-term success, and enhance the quality of life of patients.

At Gesco, our range of innovative spinal, orthopedic, CMF and trauma implants are crafted using premium-quality, surgery-grade titanium, stainless steel and PEEK. To know more about our range of implants, visit our website now.