Artificial finger joints - its past, present and future

Abstract

In the past, design of artificial finger joints has three models: linked and constrained designs, non constrained designs and spacer designs. These designs failed invariably, due to breakage and wear of the components.Recently, there are three new concepts of designs in finger joint prosthesis: anatomical shape designs, osteo integration designs and new material. In the future,a combination of the three recent developments may open up a new direction in the design of finger joint prosthesis. Besides, biological reconstruction and tissue engineering must be the answer to the extent problem. These will make the artificial finger joints more perfect.

以往使用的人工指關節為強制連接式、非強制式、間隔式三種模式 ,常因磨損、老化等因素而導致失敗。目前 ,人工指關節的設計融合了解剖形狀設計、骨整合概念、高新科技材料三種新概念 ,在一定程度上提高了關節功能的恢復。將來 ,同時具有目前研究三個方向優點的材料 ,將是指關節假體設計的新方向。此外 ,通過生物學重建的方法和組織工程 ,將解決現存的各項問題 ,從而使人工關節更趨完美。