Why is titanium used to make hips?

Biocompatibility: Titanium is highly biocompatible, meaning it is well-tolerated by the human body and does not cause any significant adverse reactions. This is crucial for a material used in hip replacements, as it must remain in the body for a long time without causing any problems.

Strength and durability: Titanium is a strong and durable material that can withstand the stresses and forces experienced by the hip joint during daily activities. It is resistant to wear and tear, and can last for several decades without requiring replacement.

Corrosion resistance: Titanium is highly corrosion-resistant, which is essential for a material implanted in the body. It does not corrode or degrade in the body's fluids, ensuring its long-term functionality and preventing any potential complications.

Lightweight: Titanium is a relatively lightweight material, which is advantageous in hip replacements. A lightweight implant puts less stress on the surrounding tissues and reduces the risk of complications associated with heavy implants.

Non-magnetic: Titanium is non-magnetic, which means it does not interfere with medical imaging techniques like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This allows for easy monitoring and assessment of the hip joint without any interference from the implant.

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