Scientists to make joint replacement devices that would last a lifetime
August 10th, 2010 - 3:30 pm ICT by ANIWashington, Aug 10 (ANI): Total knee and hip joint replacement devices that may last a lifetime are not a dream anymore, thanks to the recent breakthroughs by the scientists.
Physicist Yogesh Vohrao and Aaron Catledge, of the University of Alabama at Birmingham are under-process to adhere a self-designed coating to cobalt chromium, the metal most commonly used in joint replacement devices.
The coating consists of very small diamonds called nanodiamonds.
“Imagine taking an engagement ring and shrinking it to a point where it is one 10-thousandth of your human hair, yet it is still a perfect crystal. That is what we are talking about,” said Vohra.
The nanodiamond coating is tough, yet smooth; so once adhered to the metals of a joint implant device, it’s intended to last for the life of the device.
Vohra said most devices last only a little longer than 10 years on average. This leads to repeat procedures, and the deterioration of the devices in the body also can cause health problems when small pieces of the implants break off and impact surrounding tissue and bone.
“Over time the implants get loose and you start hearing those squeaking sounds. After five to 10 years you have to replace that joint again,” Vohra said.
“The nanodiamond film is sticking now,” said Catledge.
“We want to put the technology in extended wear tests, see the measurements and show industry that there are good benefits for the use of the nanodiamond coating on cobalt chromium alloy,” he added. (ANI)
- Mums with metal-on-metal implants pass metal ions to kids - Mar 10, 2010
- Johnson & Johnson in trouble for 10,000 faulty hip replacements - Oct 25, 2010
- New novel metals - stronger than steel, as mouldable as plastic - Mar 02, 2011
- Novel nanowires to make fuel cells more durable and efficient - Apr 01, 2011
- Steel-like 'tough and strong' amorphous 'glassy' metal developed - Jan 10, 2011
- Tough call: Showcasing high-art stainless steel on its 100th anniversary (With images) - Mar 09, 2012
- Safer metal alloys may replace chrome coatings on bathroom fixtures, car bumpers - May 21, 2009
- Diamond could help design tougher chips - Aug 05, 2011
- Indian surgeons help Nigerian woman back on her feet - Sep 05, 2011
- China to test clothes for cancer-causing chemicals - Jun 25, 2011
- Coming soon, body parts that never wear out - Oct 20, 2009
- Swallowing diamonds could diagnose what's ailing you - Sep 08, 2010
- New valve implant brings hope to cardiac patients - Feb 29, 2012
- Now, chromium-free coatings to protect cars against rust - Dec 10, 2008
- Copper surfaces reduce hospital infections: Experts - Feb 09, 2012
Tags: 10 years, alabama at birmingham, chromium, cobalt, deterioration, engagement ring, health problems, human hair, implant device, implants, lifetime, measurements, metals, physicist, scientists, small diamonds, small pieces, thousandth, university of alabama, university of alabama at birmingham