[Joint prosthetics using carbon implants]

A group of "Intost" materials based on carbon were developed by the I. M. Sechenov Moscow Medical Academy jointly with the Research Institute of Graphite. After experimental studies the materials were authorized for use in clinical practice for implantation. A concept of the design of endoprostheses of the joints from "Intost" was developed, on the basis of which unipolar combined endoprostheses of the hip joint (127 cases), metatarsophalangeal articulation (27 cases), humeral and metacarpophalangeal articulations (two cases each), and condyles of the tibia (5 cases) were made and applied in clinical practice. A detailed analysis is given of ten years of experience gained with the use of the combined unipolar endoprosthesis of the hip joint manufactured from "Intost-1" and "Intost-3". Long-term beneficial results were obtained in 95% of patients. Endoprosthesis is recommended for the treatment of fractures and false joints of the neck of the femur in elderly and senile patients.