Health Tips from a Mother of Three

Technological Developments Changing The Orthopedic Industry

As the population ages, the need for new methods of treatment in orthopedic surgery increases. Traditional "metal on metal" joint replacements can wear out and cause painful problems, and the need to come up with new methods for surgery and prosthesis is important to give patients a better quality of life. Here is a look at some of the new developments in technology that can help to improve the field of orthopedics.

Nanotechnology

The term nanotechnology refers to tiny pieces of technology that are extremely small and sometimes almost impossible to see with the naked eye. New developments are now being made that focus on using this technology in joint replacements. Tiny sensors can be embedded into implants that will relay information back to the doctors. This information can alert them to wear and tear and track the patient's progress while using the implants in real time. The ultra small technology can also contain tiny reservoirs of anti-inflammatory and pain medication that can be disbursed to the patient as needed with the push of a button. While these forms of technology are still currently being developed, they hold a lot of promise for helping patients who have undergone orthopedic surgery for improving their quality of life. 

Developments In Arthroscopy

The use of small cameras to look inside of a patient is known as arthroscopy, the Greek term for "to look within the joint." Small fiber optic cameras are attached to the end of an arthroscope, where doctors can get a closer look at joints on a screen just by making a tiny incision and inserting the tool. This process results in less complicated surgery for testing purposes and makes the process easier on both doctor and patient. As the physician looks at the joint, they can determine the next cause of treatment and can help diagnose new patients with current joint related problems. This testing method can be used in other medical procedures as well, and it makes for an easier way to get an up close view of a patient's internal areas.

3-D Printing 

3-D printing has taken the technology world by storm, and it's no wonder this modern marvel can also be used for a variety of medical purposes, particular in orthopedics. Doctors can now scan a patient's joints and get a three dimensional image, which can then be printed with special medical-grade materials. The printed images are surgically implanted as a joint replacement, taking the place of traditional titanium. With 3-D imagery, it's easier to get a more accurate and realistic outcome for the individual patient's exact joint shape and size. All of these new developments in technology are making performing orthopedic surgery and testing easier than ever before, and also have a positive impact on patient health. 

To learn more, visit a website like http://www.towncenterorthopaedics.com


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