As you'd expect, orthopedic implants are very "high tech." Their designs can be quite complex, and the materials used to make them, called biomaterials, are highly developed. Examples of biomaterials used in the Coonrad/Morrey Total Elbow include Tivanium® alloy, cobalt-chrome, and polyethylene.The materials most commonly used have a long history of clinical use.

There are many different biomaterials, but there's no single biomaterial that is best for all implants and all patients. The specific requirements of an implant material vary depending on how the implant was designed to be used.

Like medicine, biomaterials can produce side effects. Some side effects seen with biomaterials include microscopic debris, increased ion levels in the blood or urine, or inflammation. These are rare, but you should be aware of the possibility. For these reasons, your doctor will evaluate you individually and carefully consider the material that is used to manufacture your implant, along with its design.