In 1900s the new corrosion–resistant material for implants was introduced in surgery – stainless steel (SS). In the beginning, SS 18–8 alloy was unsuccessfully prone to corrosion. Finally, SS 316 alloy managed to decrease the corrosion rate due to reduced carbon content. Th e development of technologies and engineering was continued. New metal – titanium alloys (Ti) were used in 1960s and since that time the utilization of titanium implants is growing. Nowadays, metal made materials are used not only in surgery but in almost every field of medical specialties. Metal implants are common both in orthopedic and trauma surgery. The majority of implants associated with orthopedic and trauma surgery are: pins, plates, screws, anchors and total joints prostheses. Implant alloys are usually made of three main materials: stainless steel, cobalt–chromium based alloys and titanium alloys. Osteosynthesis of fractures was revolutionized by invention of SS and Ti implants. Both metals allowed to achieve many successes in orthopedic field, assuring satisfactory mechanical properties and biocompatibility.
Advantage of Stainless Steel Implant
Application of SS in orthopedic surgery started the new era in fracture fixation and implants development. It has been implanted for decades in a various regions of the human body. The main advantages of SS are:
1.Cost effectiveness.
2.Stiffer than Ti.
3.Torsional properties of SS are more friendly to surgeon. SS screws are easier to handle and easier in avoiding of overtorquing into the plate. SS is more prone to contour and bending than TI.
Advantage of Titanium Orthopedical Implant
There are many differences in types of titanium – from grade 1 commercially pure titanium (CP-Ti) to grade 5 titanium alloy.
1.Titanium has lower toxicity,decrease risk of the device–related infection.
2.Titanium is thought to be more corrosion resistant metal than SS, which is more susceptible to pitting and crevice corrosion.Corrosion is responsible for loosening of the implant and biological response: pain, swelling, metal sensitivity, promotion of infections, systemic implications.
3.Ti provides high tolerance for stress loading and fatigue compared to SS.
4.Lower modulus of elasticity in titanium plates may support bone healing.
5.Titanium implants may provide a clearer CT image, allowing you to more accurately answer important clinical questions.
6.Titanium implants are well known for their excellent biocompatibility, resulting in a favorable tissue response.
7.Ease of removal in long bone plating
About CareFix
CareFix is a professional national high-tech enterprise engaged in orthopedic medical equipment design, production, sales and service. Founded in 2009, we’ve devoted to pediatric implants,foot & ankle implant,external fixation and spinal implants. Welcome to visit to our factory,it’s about half an hour from Shanghai Hongqiao Airport.