Many people know that metal is strong. So when orthopedic surgeons implant metal to fix broken bones, replace worn-out joints, or correct deformities in the skeletal system, it's understandable why people feel confident about a problem-free prognosis.
Despite metal's resilience, the fact is that metal can break, and something may need to be done about it. Threaded Inserts For Aluminum
This article explains why metal implants break and whether surgery is required to fix them.
The strength of a metal implant depends on a number of factors, including the type of metal, how the metal was fabricated, and the size of the implant. Common metal types used in surgical procedures include stainless steel and titanium.
By way of comparison, consider a paper clip. It can often sustain a strong force. It may bend, but it usually won't break. However, if the paper clip is bent back and forth several times, it might snap in two. Metal implants can respond in a similar way to repeated cycles of stress.
Metal implants typically break as a result of fatigue . And fatigue occurs over time. This means that the metal usually breaks not from one sudden load but from repetitive cycles of stress.
Metal implants are typically made to support the skeletal system until the body can support normal stress without the aid of the implant. So if a bone is broken, a metal implant may be used to support the healing skeleton until the bone has healed. Several factors could interfere with this process:
Even if you learned about metals in science class, that probably was a long time ago. The 10 toughest metals are: carbon steel, steel-iron nickel alloy, stainless steel, tungsten, tungsten carbide, titanium, titanium aluminide, inconel, chromium, and iron.
Hip and knee surgeries often involve the use of metal. Five common post-surgery problems tend to trigger certain symptoms:
Often, broken metal implants require additional surgery, but not always. If the problem is still not addressed, such as a broken bone that has not healed, then the metal may need to be removed and a new repair performed. However, if the broken metal is not causing a problem, then it can often stay in the body.
There are some rare circumstances in which loose or broken metal moves within the body. This can be concerning when the metal is located around the chest or abdomen and usually less worrisome when the metal is located in the extremities. Keep your healthcare provider up-to-date so they can monitor the situation and respond appropriately.
Orthopedic surgeons implant metal to fix broken bones, replace worn-out joints, or correct deformities in the skeletal system. Although metal implants are designed to last a long time—sometimes several decades—they often don't last forever. In fact, there are several reasons why the implants fail, such as if the repair was problematic to begin with or if the patient places too much stress on the area while it's still healing.
Broken implant hardware almost always is a sign of a problem—either with the hardware or the bone supporting it. If you suspect something is wrong, don't hesitate to contact your healthcare provider for an evaluation.
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By Jonathan Cluett, MD Jonathan Cluett, MD, is board-certified in orthopedic surgery. He served as assistant team physician to Chivas USA (Major League Soccer) and the United States men's and women's national soccer teams.
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