Flinders University researchers have developed a new alloy that could revolutionize joint implants, making them safer and more comfortable for patients.
This innovative titanium-based alloy includes gallium, which offers antibacterial properties and reduces stiffness, helping to minimize pain and discomfort when in contact with bone.
The study, published in the Journal of Functional Biomaterials, highlights the promising results of these new alloys.
Dr. Reza Hashemi, a Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering at Flinders University, explains that the addition of gallium makes the alloy superior to existing prostheses.
This new material not only has antibacterial properties but also improves patient outcomes by reducing pain, medical complications, and the risk of long-term implant failure.
Rhianna McHendrie, a Materials Engineering graduate and the first author of the study, developed these new alloy combinations as part of her master’s thesis.
She notes that the new alloys show a significant improvement in antimicrobial performance compared to the commonly used titanium alloy in medical implants.
The research was a collaborative effort involving experts from Flinders University, including Professor Krasimir Vasilev and Dr. Vi Khanh Truong from the Biomedical Nanoengineering Laboratory in the College of Medicine and Public Health.
In addition to developing new materials for implants, Dr. Hashemi’s research group is exploring the use of machine learning (ML) algorithms to improve the selection process for hip and knee joint replacements.
Working with the Australian Orthopedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry (AOANJRR), Royal Adelaide Hospital, and UniSA, the team is investigating whether ML can help reduce long-term complications by better predicting the most suitable prosthesis for each patient.
The researchers believe that ML algorithms could offer significant advantages over traditional methods if they are designed to adapt to changing data over time. This approach could lead to better patient outcomes and fewer complications in joint replacement surgeries.
Overall, this groundbreaking research from Flinders University holds great promise for improving the safety and effectiveness of joint implants, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for many patients.
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