Advances in prosthetic treatment
Written by:A prosthetic hip or knee surgery is necessary when the joint is significantly compromised, usually because of osteoarthritis, which causes pain. Thus, pain is an unavoidable symptom in order to refer the patient to a following joint replacement or grafting of a hip replacement or knee. There speaks our expert in Orthopaedics and Traumatology
How has the treatment with implants in recent years?
The evolution of the implants or hip and knee arthroplasty can be summarized in several points; on the one hand, it is new models, materials and forms are established, aiming for a higher resistance of the plant, or materials. Furthermore, even the surgery has been greatly implemented. Finally, the procedures for recovery of the two joints (hip and knee) were migliorat, in particular as regards the timing of rehabilitation and the joint function.
What new materials consist of these prostheses and what benefits they offer to the patient?
The evolution of the materials used is closely linked with greater bone fixation of such plants; titanium is used, a porous material. In addition, there are new developments as regards the surgical techniques that allow a greater fastening of the bone such metallic surfaces by the so-called cementing. On the joint surface, however, we are experimenting with new materials (polyethylene) that produce less wear in good or new ceramics ensuring greater longevity of knee replacement or hip replacement.
What form do the resurfacing?
The prostheses that are defined as 'coating', or articular surface, are those that exclusively allow to replace the damaged part of the joint, that is in the hip in the knee. The goal of this procedure is to conserve and preserve the bone that will be tasked to support the denture or the articular surface. The future of orthopedics designed to preserve a 'stock' more abundant bone for any new interventions.