Scientific findings to improve medical implants

Medical developments in the US could lead to the development of a new generation of biomedical implants that avoid the risk of bone rejection.

Researchers at North Carolina State University have created light-weight 'metal foam' with elasticity similar to that of natural bone.

Co-author of the report Dr Afsaneh Rabiei explained that the new composite material could benefit patients by reducing the likelihood of revision surgery associated with traditional implants.

He said: "When an orthopedic or dental implant is placed in the body to replace a bone or a part of a bone, it needs to handle the loads in the same way as its surrounding bone.

"If the modulus of elasticity of the implant is too much bigger than the bone, the implant will take over the load bearing and the surrounding bone will start to die. This will cause the loosening of the implant and eventually ends in failure."

The metal foam can be used as an alternative to more rigid implant material such as titanium.

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