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Published on: January 7, 2019
Silicone and Pyrocarbon Artificial Finger Joints
F A Alnaimat1, H A Owida1, A Al Sharah2
1Medical Engineering, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Al-Saro, Al-Salt, Amman, Jordan.
This review examines artificial finger joints, including silicone and pyrocarbon implants, highlighting challenges like limited motion and implant fracture. Further research is needed to improve designs and materials for better patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Materials Science
Background:
- Artificial finger joints, including proximal interphalangeal (PIP) and metacarpophalangeal (MCP) implants, have advanced beyond amputation and arthrodesis.
- Current designs face challenges such as reactive tissue response, limited range of motion, and flexion/extension deficits.
- Swanson silicone implants remain prevalent due to physician preference and surgical approach, while pyrocarbon implants are gaining traction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of various artificial finger joint designs.
- To consolidate information on existing artificial joint technologies and their limitations.
- To identify areas for future research and development in implantable finger joints.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on artificial finger joint designs.
- Classification of artificial joints into constrained, unconstrained, and linked categories.
- Analysis of challenges and limitations associated with current implant materials and designs.
Main Results:
- Artificial finger joints have evolved, offering alternatives to traditional surgical interventions.
- Key challenges include implant longevity, biocompatibility, and functional restoration.
- Silicone implants face issues like distal stem fracture, while pyrocarbon implants present distinct considerations.
Conclusions:
- Further research is essential to enhance the design and material properties of both silicone and pyrocarbon finger joint implants.
- Improvements should focus on increasing the range of motion and extending the fatigue life of silicone implants.
- Addressing biocompatibility and mechanical challenges is crucial for advancing artificial finger joint technology.
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