Specialists from the Moscow Aviation Institute (MAI) have modernized the production technology of spinal implants. The development is based on titanium-based alloys. The new designs preserve the natural mobility of the spine and are characterized by increased reliability and biocompatibility.
Preserving the mobility of the vertebrae increases the load on the components of the structure, especially on the beams. When the patient moves, the beams make microscopic movements at the points of attachment to the screws, which can cause cracks to appear on them. In addition, the structure functions in a physiological environment - tissue fluid, blood. All this is fraught with premature corrosion-mechanical destruction of the medical device and the ingress of metal ions into the surrounding tissues. Our work is aimed at solving this problem.
Standard surgical practice involves the use of transpedicular fixators. Structurally, they are rigid beams and screws made of titanium, cobalt, or steel. The main disadvantage of such solutions is excessive rigidity. After installation, the vertebra fuses with the adjacent ones, and mobility is lost. The load is redistributed to adjacent segments, which provokes their degeneration and requires repeated intervention.
MAI developers have focused on titanium nickelide. The material has a shape memory effect and high elasticity. The design adapts to loads without requiring complete fusion of the vertebrae. However, previously, such products suffered from accelerated wear.
Specialists analyzed the clinical statistics of the use of titanium nickelide. Based on these data, they optimized the alloy composition (ratio of nickel and titanium), introduced a technological method of applying a protective coating, and improved the fastening elements. New testing methods were also developed. The prototypes showed resistance to destruction higher than that of existing domestic and foreign analogues.