REVIEW OF EXISTING CLINICAL SOLUTIONS FOR ARTIFICIAL JOINTS

Abstract

This paper presents short review of existing clinical solutions for artificial joints (knee joints, hip joints, shoulder joints, elbow joints, and spine segments). One of the main objectives in design of these implants is to minimise and eliminate friction and wear in moving elements and to provide full adhesion and cell proliferation for stable parts, such as for hip stem. Knee joint surgeries are important for young people, especially in sport, and they can be total or partial replacements. Hip joint surgeries are among the most performed procedures today, with increased number of young people undergoing it. Trabecular Metal technology, with porous structure, has emerged as the efficient approach to provide cell proliferation and adhesion of the hip stem. CoCr, Ti and stainless steel, together with polymers and ceramics are used for production of elements in hip replacement solutions. Shoulder joint replacements are very complex and require careful planning. Replacements of elbow joints are less present in comparison with other types of artificial joints. Solutions for vertebra, segments composing the spine, are the most important area of orthopedic trauma since it directly influences the quality of life in all the ways. This is important area of research that impact lives of millions humans. Beside standard production technologies and application of advanced CNC machines, 3D printing has emerged as efficient production technology offering custom design of personalised implants, very fast production with excellent quality, without significant post-processing as required in standard technologies, such as casting or forging.