Zimmer® Trabecular Metal™ Technology
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the advantage of Trabecular Metal Technology over other joint replacement materials?
In addition to being the orthopaedic metal that more closely resembles the
physical and mechanical properties of healthy bone, Zimmer
Trabecular Metal Technology has been clinically shown to have several
advantages over other implant materials:
- Greater initial stability.
- Allows rapid and extensive bone in-growth1,3
Why is bone in-growth important?
Joint and spine surgery and bone replacement involves removing or resurfacing damaged surfaces and restoring them with artificial implants. Implants are secured to human bone in one of two ways – they are either cemented (cement is used to secure the implant to the bone) or cementless (natural human bone grows into, or heals directly to, the artificial implant). Several factors determine which method is used; most notably the quality of the natural bone to which the implant must adhere. Trabecular Metal Implants have the porosity and structure that allows for extensive bone in-growth, which creates a bond between the implant and the bone, and eliminates the need for bone cement. For patients who have acceptable bone quality, cementless techniques are the preferable way to attach implants to existing human bone.
Why is porosity important in an implant?
Bone is living tissue that grows into your implant, incorporating it into your body. The more porous the implant material – in other words, the more nooks and crannies – the more space is available for bone to grow in and secure the implant. Whereas other materials used for orthopaedic implants are only 35 percent to 50 percent porous, Trabecular Metal material is 75-80 percent porous.1,2,3.
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Why is flexibility important? Although sturdy, healthy human bone has a certain degree of flexibility to withstand the body’s weight, and daily wear and tear. Trabecular Metal Implants possess flexibility similar to bone, whereas other implant materials are far more rigid. Studies have indicated that implant materials that don’t flex well can cause bones to recede and lose strength over time 5,6,7. |
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How is Trabecular Metal Material used? Trabecular Metal material is used in hundreds of hip, knee, shoulder and spine implants. Zimmer, a global leader in orthopaedics, is the only company that offers this material. Whereas other porous joint replacement materials can only be coated or sprayed onto orthopaedic implants, Trabecular Metal material can be used to create an entire implant. This material also may be infused or bonded to other types of implants in the areas that come in contact with your natural bone, to allow bone in-growth. Trabecular Metal Implants are placed by orthopaedic surgeons via traditional joint replacement surgery and Zimmer’s less-invasive Minimally Invasive Solutions™ (MIS™) techniques. |
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Related Articles
Zimmer Trabecular Metal
Technology Overview
Materials Used in Orthopaedic Implants Overview
References
1. JD Bobyn, SA Hacking, JJ Krygier, SP Chan, KK Toh, M Tanzer,
“Characterization of a
New Porous Tantalum Biomaterial for
Reconstructive Surgery”, 66th Annual AAOS
Anaheim, CA, Feb 4-8,
1999. Scientific exhibit.
2. DA Shimko, VF Shimko, EA Sander, KF Dickson, EA Nauman, “Effect of
Porosity on the
Fluid Flow Characteristics and Mechanical Properties of
Tantalum Scaffolds”, published
on-line February 2005 in Wiley
Interscience (www.interscience.wiley.com)
3. JD Bobyn, GJ Stackpool, SA Hacking, M Tanzer, JJ Krygier,
“Characteristics of Bone In
Growth and Interface Mechanics of a New
Porous Tantalum Biomaterial”, The Journal of
Bone and Joint Surgery
(British), Sep 1999, 81-B No. 5, pp 907-914.
5. CL Levitz, PA Lotke, JS Karp, “Long-Term Changes in Bone Mineral Density
Following
Total Knee Replacement”, Clinical Orthopaedics and Related
Research, 1995, No. 321, pp
68-72.
6. P Korovessis, G Piperos, A
Michael, “Periprosthetic Bone Mineral Density After Mueller
and
Zweymueller Total Hip Arthroplasties”, Clinical Orthopeadics and Related
Research,
1994, No. 309, pp 214-221.
7. J Rawlinson, TM Wright, DL Bartel, “Finite Element Analysis of a Porous
Tantalum
Monoblock Tibia Compared with a Metal-Backed Tibial Component”,
51st Annual ORS
Washingtion, DC, Feb 20-23, 2005. Scientific exhibit.
