With the rapid advancement of technology in the medical field, smart implants embedded with sensors and 3D printing have the capability to replace the traditional implants in use completely.
How smart implants can potentially displace regular implants
What makes smart implants different from regular implants is the capability of smart implants to provide better health outcomes to patients requiring bone implantation.
One of the biggest differences between regular and smart implants is the incorporation of sensors in smart implants. One of the most common problems associated with traditional implants is that it might cause loosening of the implant, mostly due to poor osseointegration. The sensors can indicate the loosening of implants and thus help orthopedic surgeons fix it quickly. Also, the sensors can potentially detect any infection that might result after the bone implantation process. With further research and development, it can be possible for the sensors to sense physical parameters within the body such as temperature, stress, and pressure. With the help of IoT technology, these parameters can thus be monitored by the patient and the data can be provided to the concerned physician in real-time.
Customization of implants
One major problem with regular implants is that they come with fixed shapes and sizes which is why they might not fit properly within the bodies of every patient. By making use of AI technology along with smart implants, orthopedics manufacturers are focusing on overcoming the limitation of fixed shapes and sizes of regular implants. A method called ‘Additive Manufacturing’ is involved in the entire procedure that utilizes 3D printing to develop implants that can perfectly fit the bodies of different patients. Hence, the additive manufacturing method can help customize the implants according to every patient’s need. According to a study by NYU School of Medicine, 3D printed implants have the potential to restore missing bones by dissolving slowly within the body. Another major advantage of the additive manufacturing method is that it can also prevent loosening caused by poor osseointegration.
