The processing of surgical implants from pure titanium

Abstract

Pure titanium has an extraordinary tissue compatibility and resists corrosion from exposure to air and the biological environment. Titanium is especially suited as a long-term implant. Titanium implants remain chemically inert and corrosion free. Pure metal titanium satisfies chemical homogeneity demands. Bone plates, screws and some kinds of instruments are made from commercial pure titanium. The optimum processing of surgical implants made from titanium is recommended. This processing includes the following operations: computer-controlled cutting, acid-alkali descaling treatment, rotary treatment in a ball mill with abrasive materials, polishing, electropolishing, etching, careful cleaning, and surface coating with hydroxylapatite thin films. Currently the proposed technology is in use and the surgical implants prepared as a result of the above processing procedure are being clinically tested in leading Russian hospitals.