Previously, internal devices were made of stainless steel. Since 1984, titanium alloys have been used instead. Titanium is stronger, lighter, and more immune-friendly
Reading an excerpt from the book “Metals of the Century” by GI Nikolaev
published by Mining Publishing House, 1987
We attribute the success of treatment not only to the appropriate qualification of individuals, but also to new preparations with the latest technologies, which are determined with high confidence from a new perspective. It is quite clear that doctors, researchers, and those working with metal devices and instruments have turned to metals such as titanium. Titanium has transformed from a material of industrial use into a material of particular medical importance. Orthopedists and traumatologists widely use metal devices for various therapeutic purposes: to join bones split due to fractures. Typically, these devices are made of stainless steel. Steel is durable and reliable. However, stainless steel causes various complications in some patients: infections with suppuration and pain. In addition, after a short period of time, it corrodes and its useful life ends. Therefore, the damaged metal is removed and the patient undergoes additional surgery
There have been attempts to use the corrosion-resistant metal tantalum. However, this metal is very heavy (twice as heavy as iron) and is a rare element. Titanium is four times lighter than tantalum and practically does not induce immune responses. Scientific experiments on titanium to determine its resistance to corrosion have been performed during sterilization, boiling, alcohol, ether, chloramine, and other body fluids and tissues, and the results have been impressive. Titanium is compatible with the functions of organs and systems and is well tolerated during bone and muscle growth
More information on the medical uses of titanium
is available at the link at the bottom of the page
