Implant biomechanics is the study of implants used in the musculoskeletal system, ranging from dental applications to pins used in knee surgery. A number of concerns factor into the design of effective and appropriate implants, including strength, durability, and the potential for patient reactions to metals and other materials used in their construction. Specialists develop new products for implant procedures and work on ways to replace existing implants safely and effectively, in patients using older generations of devices. Academic institutions as well as private firms conduct research in this area.
One issue with implant biomechanics is the materials used. Care providers want implants that will not cause disease by leaching poisons or triggering allergic reactions. They need to balance these needs with the desire for strong, durable materials that are unlikely to fail in place. This is a particular concern for devices implanted in young patients who may expect to be able to use the device for 40 years or more. Materials may need to be lightweight to avoid unbalancing the patient, and could require color matching for placement in locations like the mouth where they might be visible.
Fixation is also a concern with implant biomechanics. The body tends to reject foreign objects, identifying them as hostile invaders that might cause problems. Doctors want to be able to place materials like bone pins and dental implants and ensure that they will stay in place. This requires the development of materials the body will accept and grow around over time to seat the implant more firmly in place and provide a point of attachment for artificial joints, teeth, and other biomechanical devices.
Devices that are too strong and durable can also cause problems. Researchers in implant biomechanics study the impact of implants on surrounding structures to determine if a device will increase the risk of fracture, muscle injuries, or other problems. They need to develop devices that integrate seamlessly with the body with a low risk of complications in the interest of protecting patients. This can require follow-up evaluations of patients with experimental devices to see how they perform over time in actual use, as well as studies using modeling systems to simulate conditions inside the body.
Researchers in the field of implant biomechanics study musculoskeletal anatomy to understand how the body is put together. This research helps them identify the processes that occur when something goes wrong so they can develop devices to fix it. Dental implants are a particularly large subject of interest, as dental work that can require the use of false teeth can be common, especially in older patients.