Last time, we talked about the characteristics of crystalline-coated titanium nickelide, developed at the TSU Laboratory for Medical Alloys and Shape Memory Implants.
This time, to visualize all the properties of this material, we will use the “before and after” method, where “before” describes traditional materials with low biochemical and biomechanical compatibility, and “after” describes titanium nickelide with increased corrosion resistance and biocompatibility.
Traditional materials (TM): Replacement of large bones. Only sufficiently large implants can withstand external influence without the risk of deformation and oxidation that occurs because of cracks.
Titanium nickelide with a new amorphous nanocrystalline surface (NT): Replacement of any bones, even the smallest ones without the risk of damaging under the conditions of high deformation.
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TM: The period of immobility for the patient when replacing, for example, the ribs is 2-3 weeks. This is explained not only by the danger of external influence, but also by the fact that implants are perceived by the body as foreign objects. A fibrous capsule forms around them and it takes time for the cells from human tissues to penetrate through it, get on the surface of the artificial bone, and start growing through it.
NT: The patient get out of bed the day after the surgery, full activity returns after 2-3 days. The new coating provides instant adhesion of the implant surface with the surrounding tissues, because the surface material is similar to natural tissues and has a high polarization. The implant surface literally attracts human tissue cells. All this happens in the first day.
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TM: It is impossible to replace many large bones at once. That is why a patient who needs several rib is practically doomed.
NT: It is possible to replace 5-6 large bones at once without the risk to damage them by breathing or moving even a little bit.
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TM: Implants made from traditional materials often require replacement in several years. It is necessary due to the appearance of corrosion around their oxidized parts. The appearance of tissue around a “rusty” implant is not a sight for the faint of heart: the patient’s tissue around it simply blackens.
NT: An implant made of titanium nickel with an amorphous nanocrystalline surface can last a lifetime.
The Editorial Board of the blog appreciates the help from Ekaterina Marchenko, Head of the TSU Laboratory for Medical Alloys and Shape Memory Implants