Aerospace technology could aid orthopaedics
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
Work by UK researchers could lead to orthopaedic implants which are more compatible with bone and thus last longer. AEA Technology, in a DTI-funded project with Corin Medical (see Clinica No 606/7, p 28), is developing a carbon fibre composite hip implant using manufacturing technology developed by the aerospace industry. Metal implants are much stiffer than bone, resulting in more load being taken by the implant, which then works itself loose. The advantage of carbon fibre composites is that they are strong but also lighter and more elastic than metallic implant materials.