Analytical review on the biocompatibility of surface-treated Ti-alloys for joint replacement applications

ABSTRACT

Introduction

With the advancement of joint replacements such as total hip replacement (THR), Titanium (Ti) and its alloys are widely used as implant materials. The bearing surface of Ti improves the longevity of implants. In this perception, researchers design a Ti-alloy that increases the wear and corrosion resistance to enhance osteogenesis and mechanical stability.

Areas covered

: This paper is dedicated to finding the major causes of the failure of THR. Further, this paper provides an overview of the application of metallic alloys and their influencing factors that influence biocompatibility. The most contributing part of this paper focuses on the post-treatment impact on Ti-alloys biocompatibility.

Expert opinion

This paper revealed and discussed that Ti alloys’ biocompatibility for orthopedic applications mainly depends on antibacterial activities that decide tissue-implant compatibility. Therefore, performing surface treatment enhances the biocompatibility of Ti alloys. It was also observed that more water contact angle (WCA) induces bacterial growth and enhances cell adhesion. In contrast, the treated surface increases the antibacterial activities at lower WCA. Surface heat treatment with sintering or micro-arc oxidation achieves suitable antibacterial or antimicrobial activities.

KEYWORDS:

• Biomaterials
• joint replacements
• total hip replacement
• surface treatment
• biocompatibility

Article highlights

• Trunnion corrosion, interface wear, debris wear response, metal ion release, implant fracture, and inflammatory response are important causes of total joint replacement (such as THR) failure.

• Bone-like mechanical properties, tolerable toxic levels, biocompatibility, and cost-effective manufacturing are effective factors in the success of total joint replacements (TJR). Researchers can achieve these factors for TJR success by using Ti alloy as a biomaterial after the treatment surface.

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Reviewers disclosure

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial relationships or otherwise to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was not funded.