The Role of Dermatologic Biomaterials in Enhancing Osseointegration of Orthopedic Implants

¹UT Health Houston McGovern Medical Houston, Houston, TX, USA

²Valley Consortium for Medical Education, Modesto, CA, USA

³Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, USA

⁴SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA

⁵UNTHSC Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Worth, TX, USA

⁶Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV, Las Vegas, NV, USA

^7,8SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA

⁹Department of Dermatology, Northwell Health, New Hyde Park, NY, USA

*Corresponding author: Kelly Frasier, DO, MS, Department of Dermatology, Northwell Health, New Hyde Park, NY, USA, Phone: 3105956882, Email: [email protected]

Received Date: January 06, 2025

Publication Date: February 10, 2025

Citation: Kakarla S, et al. (2025). The Role of Dermatologic Biomaterials in Enhancing Osseointegration of Orthopedic Implants. Dermis. 5(1):27.

Copyright: Kakarla S, et al. © (2025).

ABSTRACT

The success of orthopedic implants hinges on achieving robust osseointegration while minimizing complications at the skin-implant interface, a critical yet often overlooked aspect of implant performance. Dermatologically tested biomaterials, including medical-grade silicone, hydrophilic polymers, and antimicrobial coatings, are emerging as key innovations to address these dual challenges. Silicone coatings provide a soft, biocompatible barrier that reduces mechanical friction and irritation, particularly at percutaneous entry points, lowering the risk of skin breakdown and chronic inflammation. Hydrophilic polymers enhance adhesion to soft tissues by maintaining a hydrated interface, which improves seal integrity and reduces microbial penetration. Advanced antimicrobial coatings, such as those incorporating silver nanoparticles, bioactive glass, or antibiotic-eluting compounds, actively inhibit biofilm formation while promoting osteoblast activity at the bone-implant surface. Surface modifications, including micro- and nanopatterning, further optimize implant performance by increasing surface area and enhancing the adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation of osteogenic cells, thereby accelerating osseointegration. Additionally, dermatologically friendly biomaterials reduce the risk of adverse skin reactions, such as contact dermatitis or hypersensitivity, ensuring greater patient comfort and compliance during recovery. By addressing the interaction between skin, soft tissue, and bone, biomaterials provide a multifaceted approach to implant design, fostering an aseptic and mechanically stable environment that supports both tissue health and implant longevity. Incorporating dermatologically compatible innovations into orthopedic implants offers a transformative strategy to minimize complications, enhance biological integration, and ultimately improve surgical outcomes and quality of life for patients.

Keywords: Osteointegration, Dermatologically-Tested Biomaterial, Antimicrobial Coating, Surface Modification, Implant-Tissue Interface.