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Recent advances in the application of nanotechnology in joint arthroplasty: a narrative review
Whisper Grayson1, Nicholas M Brown1
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Rehabilitation, Loyola University Health System, Maywood, IL, USA.
Background And Objective:
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a multifactorial disease, involving biomechanical, inflammatory, and metabolic processes that ultimately impact the structure and function of a joint. Current therapeutic options can improve symptoms and prolong the time to surgery, yet they are not curative and are limited by their systemic side-effects and their inability to provide site-specific delivery. Nanomedicine takes advantage of the unique properties held by technology on the nanoscale (1-100 nm), including surface effects and quantum effects, that allow for novel mechanical, thermal, and magnetic functions. The primary aim of this narrative review is to summarize the recent advances made in nanotechnology and their uses in joint arthroplasty.
Methods:
This narrative review was performed following a computerized search of the electronic database on PubMed in September 2024. Papers related to the use of nanotechnology in orthopaedic arthroplasty surgery were included for review.
Key Context And Findings:
Nanotechnology holds the promise of optimizing OA treatment, refining the implants used during joint arthroplasty, and aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of post-operative joint infections. With the increasingly aging population and growing demand for joint replacement, this review aims to cover the novel applications of nanoparticles (NPs) within the realm of joint replacement surgery.
Conclusions:
Future studies are needed to further investigate the clinical translation of NPs in joint arthroplasty. Additionally, the potential of NPs needs to be considered within their limitations and their safety profile that is still being defined.
Insights
Nanotechnology offers promising advancements for osteoarthritis treatment and joint replacement surgery, optimizing implants and aiding in infection management. Further research is needed to define the safety and clinical translation of nanoparticles (NPs) in arthroplasty.
Area of Science:
- Orthopaedic Surgery
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Osteoarthritis (OA) is a complex joint disease with limited curative treatments.
- Current OA therapies have systemic side effects and lack site-specific delivery.
- Nanomedicine leverages nanoscale properties for novel therapeutic functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in nanotechnology for joint arthroplasty.
- To explore novel applications of nanoparticles (NPs) in joint replacement surgery.
- To highlight the potential of nanomedicine in optimizing OA treatment and post-operative care.
Main Methods:
- Computerized literature search of PubMed database.
- Inclusion of papers on nanotechnology in orthopaedic arthroplasty surgery.
- Narrative review of selected studies.
Main Results:
- Nanotechnology shows potential for optimizing OA treatment and refining joint implants.
- NPs can aid in diagnosing and treating post-operative joint infections.
- Emerging applications of NPs are relevant to the growing demand for joint replacement.
Conclusions:
- Nanotechnology holds promise for improving joint arthroplasty outcomes.
- Further clinical translation and safety profiling of NPs in arthroplasty are necessary.
- The limitations and safety of NPs require continued investigation.
