A new technology for the production of titanium alloy implants has been introduced in Ukraine

The proposed technology allows the use of natural properties of titanium oxide in the form of anatase to create an antibacterial coating on implants made of titanium alloys. Ukrainian scientists invented and patented new technology with the support of Ukrainian businessman Volodymyr Manukyan.

New technology for changing the surfaces of titanium implants used in traumatology and orthopedics for the treatment of fractures in the presence of the threat of suppuration (open fractures, gunshot injuries, etc.), bone defects in cancer patients, scientists from Kharkiv and Severodonetsk proposed.

It took them over a year of laboratory research and experimentation to develop and implement the invention. Having received the technology of acquiring antibacterial properties of the surfaces of titanium implants, scientists of Lugansk State Medical University (Severodonetsk) together with engineers-developers of Kharkiv plant “Vostok-N” changed the properties of orthopedic implants.

New Titanium Implants: What is the Unique of Technology

The main feature of the surface modification of titanium alloys is an antibacterial coating created by unique technology.

“In the antibacterial coating of titanium implants, we use one of the forms of titanium oxide on the surface in the form of anatase, which is formed as a result of micro-arc oxidation of titanium, but with the addition of silicon. This is very important for surgery, because, despite the aseptic conditions in the operating room and the use of antibiotics, the risk of purulent-septic complications in the treatment is quite high today”, – trauma surgeon, associate professor of Lugansk State Medical University, Candidate of Medical Sciences Olexandr Samoilenko said.

He also noted that, according to statistics, in the surgical treatment of septum fractures occur in 5-10% of cases, and in endoprosthetics – in 1-3%. In patients with cancer after implantation of megaprostheses due to modified immunity, the amount of suppuration may reach 16%.

“One way to prevent the occurrence of suppurations is to use materials with antimicrobial properties. And it applies to all branches of surgery: oncology, neurosurgery, prosthetics, military-field surgery, dentistry, cardiac surgery”, – Olexandr Samoilenko said.

Antibacterial coated anatase silica implants were used in Severodonetsk hospital

The first 5 operations with the use of new antibacterial-coated plates “Oberig-Si” (factory name) were performed in the hospitals of Severodonetsk and Kremin of the Lugansk region. Patients with traumatic problems were operated on – they made partial or complete replacement of damaged parts of the skeleton. Subototal bone defect was replaced intraoperatively with one of the patients with cancer of the jaw with the help of an innovative implant, which allowed to restore the function of the mandible.

“Thanks to the antibacterial coating, the risk of suppuration is reduced, the heavy metals of the implant alloy do not affect the healing of the wound tissues and the body as a whole. To give antibacterial properties, implants are encouraged to use silver and some other materials. But over time, the coating of silver peels off, “exposed” surface of the implant. There is a risk of “metallosis” (tissue reaction to metal) and suppuration. The new technology protects the body of the patient from harmful impurities from implants such as aluminum, vanadium, manganese. The surface was called “Oberig”, which is understandable in both Ukrainian and Russian. And this is very important, the “Oberig” protects all who fall under its “cover”, – Olexandr Samoilenko explained.

The discovery of Ukrainian scientists will help the development of domestic surgery, for example, patients after cardiac surgeries, when everything is fine with the heart after surgery, but at the site of the sternum there was no fusion or suppuration. Often, cardiac patients opt for ceramic-coated implants rather than titanium bare stents. After all, there are no such proposals at the moment for fixing the chest. Not only does the Titanium implant with the “Oberig” interfere with the formation of the bacterial film, but it also gets better. However, the state does not allocate sufficient funds for the production of implants and research of the properties of different surface coatings. In this regard, the Ukrainian scientist can only count on the support of businessmen and charitable foundations.

The production of titanium implants with innovative coating is planned to become mass

“The state does not allocate funds for inventions. And if it does allocate, it is very small, they are not enough. Business helps. For example, businessman Vladimir Manukyan gave full support to the latest developments. Thanks to him, research, production and operations were carried out”, – trauma surgeon Oleksandr Samoilenko said.

“I was born and raised in the industrial region and know exactly how often serious injuries associated with fractures, as well as improper treatment, can change a person’s fate and life. When I learned that Kharkiv scientists were working to create technology that could help people with fractures and pathologies of the musculoskeletal system – the question of support was obvious. I also take care of a group of developers involved in the treatment of so-called “crystal people”. I am sure that titanium implants created with innovative technology will give a chance to people with such a diagnosis to live fully”, – Volodymyr Manukyan said.

He also stressed that after the first five implants were successfully used to treat patients in the Luhansk region, he intends to facilitate their production.

Volodymyr Manukyan is a Ukrainian businessman who is involved in charity work and support of Ukrainian boxing. Last year, he founded a special fund, Renaissance Medico, to assist in the treatment and financing of surgery for children with severe diagnoses, as well as the production of unique implants and devices for the treatment of defective osteogenesis.

Source: unian.ua