Why Can Implants Fail?

Titanium is lightweight and strong, is highly durable within the body, and promotes excellent bone integration. These properties are due to a thin oxide layer that forms on the titanium surface upon contact with air. Ultimately, it is not the titanium itself but the protective layer on the surface of the implants that comes into contact with the body. This natural passive layer is less than ten nanometers thick.
Some manufacturers modify the oxide layer. Others roughen the surface of the implants or engrave the serial number using a laser. Today, it is also possible to use 3D printing to produce patient-specific implants via laser processes. These are all useful applications, but: “Any surface treatment can alter the titanium oxides on the surface,” Cihova explains, “and there has been too little research into what this means for the interaction of the implant with the body and for its corrosion resistance.”

The Empa researcher hopes that the findings from the coming years will lead to safer and more stable implants. She also hopes “that we will learn more about how the fascinating range of oxide properties can be specifically harnessed in biomedicine.”