Kambhampati Srinivas B S, Rajagopalan Senthilvelan, Abraham Vineet Thomas, Poduval Murali, Maini Lalit
Sri Dhaatri Orthopaedic, Maternity and Gynaecology Center, SKDGOC, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh 531127 India.
Department of Shoulder and Upper Limb Surgery, MIOT International, Chennai, 600089 India.
Indian J Orthop. 2024 Dec 2;59(3):280-293. doi: 10.1007/s43465-024-01295-0. eCollection 2025 Mar.
BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis, characterised by decreased bone mass and degradation of bone tissue, poses a major global health concern, particularly for the ageing population. The traditional fixation techniques often fail in osteoporotic bones due to their diminished density and strength. Technological advancements in orthopaedic implants, specifically nails, plates, and external fixators, have emerged to address these challenges. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Improvements in implant design focus on material properties, surface modifications, and geometric advancements. Titanium and its alloys are favoured for their biomechanical properties such as lower elastic modulus and high strength-to-weight ratio. The biodegradable materials like polylactic acid and magnesium alloys offer the advantage of gradual resorption as bone heals. Surface modifications, such as coatings with bioactive materials and drug-eluting surfaces, promote osseointegration and enhance fixation strength. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Intramedullary (IM) nails have evolved to enhance stability and minimise complications associated with osteoporotic fractures. Third and fourth-generation nails incorporate surface treatments for better integration and healing. The advances in screw design, locking mechanisms, and flexible axial stimulation have improved fixation and allowed micromotion, which promotes fracture healing. The use of external fixators, particularly for complex fractures in osteoporotic bones, offers less invasive treatment options with adaptable stiffness for improved healing. CONCLUSION: Technological innovations in implant materials, design, and surgical techniques have significantly improved the management of osteoporotic fractures. Newer technologies, including 3D printing, virtual and augmented reality, and artificial intelligence, show promise in enhancing implant customization, surgical planning, and postoperative outcomes. However, further clinical validation and research are needed to expand their clinical applications.
J Clin Orthop Trauma. 2025-4-24
Indian J Orthop. 2025-3-14
Arch Ital Urol Androl. 2025-6-30
Indian J Orthop. 2024-12-21
Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2022-1-26
Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010-9-8
Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2022-2-10
Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2000
Indian J Orthop. 2025-1-4
Zhongguo Xiu Fu Chong Jian Wai Ke Za Zhi. 2025-7-15
BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2024-5-10
Indian J Orthop. 2023-12-8
J Orthop Surg Res. 2023-12-12
Indian J Orthop. 2023-8-28
Indian J Orthop. 2023-10-8
IEEE Trans Med Robot Bionics. 2023-2