CoQ10 depletion is a side effect of taking a Statin Drug.
CoQ10 is necessary to provide energy to your heart.
Jamieson’s CoQ10:
D
id you know that the materials used in implant
manufacture for orthopaedic surgery play an
important role in implant fixation?
There are several factors which influence the choice of
implants used by your Orthopaedic Surgeon. They include
rigidity, corrosion characteristics, biocompatibility, tissue
receptivity and surface morphology.
Biocompatibility is the prime requisite in orthopaedic
implants. It is important that the implant does not adversely
interact with the physiological environment in which it is
placed and vice versa.Cell and tissue response to bio-
materials is partly dependent on the choice of materials,
the method of manufacture and the surface characteristics
of finishing that is recognized under regulatory bodies.
The surface structure and arrangement affects the stability
within the skeleton or within the surrounding cement or
bone mantle in which the implant is placed.
There are three categories of materials which are used in
orthopaedic implants:
1. Metals and Metal Alloys
Metal implants are used extensively and mainly are iron,
cobalt, chromium, titanium, and tantalum. The mechanical,
biological and physical properties of the materials play a
significant role in longevity.
The most commonly used orthopaedic metal is stainless
steel which accounts for 60% of implants and this is usually
316L stainless steel which has a low-carbon content.
The alloys are various combinations of cobalt, chromium,
titanium and tantalum. Each has its own inherent
properties and it is up to the manufacturer to assure and
reduce the effects of debris formation, corrosion and failure
by improper manufacturing processes. This stresses the
fact that if metals are used in the body that do not meet
regulatory criteria, longevity is severely compromised. In
this light, patients should ask their doctors whether the
implants used are approved and in what territories and the
track record of its use and longevity after implantation.
2. Polymers
Polymers are formed by linking a large number of base
Implants used in
Orthopaedic Surgery
elements monomers through a chemical reaction. The
most commonly used are ultra-high molecular weight
polymers (UHMWP) and high-density polymers.
The two most important concerns with the use of polymers
in the body are “creep” and progressive wear. Creep is a
slow temporary-dependent deformation that takes place
under load. Wear is debris degenerated from frictional
loading.
There are multiple mechanisms to decrease this
process. The most recent and accepted method is the
use of antioxidants and vacuum preparation which has
decreased both important factors. Here again, regulatory
manufactured and international branded products are
reliable in this regard.
3. Ceramics
The ceramics that are used in orthopaedics are mainly
the aluminium oxide, zirconium oxide ceramics and the
calcium phosphate. These materials are very resistant
to compression but weak under tension and shear and
are therefore brittle. Ceramics are used to actually form
implants and have been very successful in that regard
with low wear characteristics. Calcium phosphate is used
to coat metal implants and improve bone in-growth and
integration.
Metal allergy may be more of an arguable myth. Poor
implant techniques and poor product selection may be
responsible for an adverse reaction in the surrounding
rather than a true metal allergy
Apart from sound technical surgical expertise, lack of
regulation has allowed unregulated implants to make their
Way freely in to our orthopaedic environment with the
consequential compromise to outcomes and longevity.
This is particularly important in joint replacement surgery.
The patients should therefore demand from their surgeon
the information regarding implants used in the body and
the origin in order to make an informed and cost conscious
choice.
Please visit our website at faoconline.com for more
information or contact us at 622-2122 to make an
appointment with our experienced surgeons.
Email:
Mr. Derrick Lousaing
B.Sc., M.B.B.S., F.R.C.S., (Ed)
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
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