DewDiligence
9 months ago
Re: GLP-1 effect on med-device companies
ZBH’s new CEO concurs with the discussion in #msg-173002788; from the 3Q23 CC transcript:
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/zimmer-biomet-holdings-inc-nyse-224434890.html …once the cartilage is damaged, there is no recovery. …dropping weight is not going to cure osteoarthritis. …If anything, obesity is a blocker today to joint surgery as many surgeons are uncomfortable operating on patients with a BMI greater than 40 [in some countries] or even above the 30 threshold in some locations.
So why could GLP-1s then be a tailwind for orthopedics? Three compelling reasons. First, if you can lower the patient’s BMI below a certain threshold… these patients now become eligible for surgery. And all the data points that we’re getting in primary markets like the U.S. is that there is a large percentage of patients who today are not going through surgery because their BMI is too high.
Secondly, if a patient does lose…weight…and…become more active, there will be a greater risk for additional joint procedures because there will be injury.
And third, if a patient loses weight, they are likely to live longer… expanding the patient’s [timeline] for an orthopedic procedure. A good example of this is Japan, the second-largest market in the world for osteoarthritis with minimal obesity rates, but very long life expectancy...
Entlarvt
1 year ago
Actually, there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that titanium blood serum levels increase by 3.5fold within one year of implantation. While titanium is commonly used in medical implants due to its biocompatibility, there is no known mechanism by which titanium implants can directly influence blood serum levels.
Titanium implants are known to integrate with surrounding tissues through a process called osseointegration, where the bone fuses with the implant. This integration occurs on a structural level, facilitating the stability and longevity of the implant. However, it does not lead to a significant alteration in blood serum composition or titanium levels within the bloodstream.
It's important to approach such claims with a critical mindset and rely on scientific studies and empirical evidence. While titanium implants have proven benefits in terms of their mechanical properties and compatibility with the human body, attributing miraculous serum level increases to titanium implants is unsupported by scientific research.
Remember, it's always best to consult reliable scientific sources and experts in the field when evaluating medical claims to ensure accurate and evidence-based information.
boston745
1 year ago
"There are many published articles supporting these views, but there is recent scientific evidence that Ti, or its corrosive by-products, may cause harmful reactions in humans. It is important for all medical and dental professionals to understand the implications, complexities, and all potential pathways of exposure to this metal"
Entlarvt
1 year ago
While it is true that some patients may experience less severe immune reactions to titanium implants, it is important to note that titanium is widely recognized as a biocompatible material with a low incidence of allergic reactions. The majority of individuals tolerate titanium implants well without any adverse effects.
Allergic reactions to titanium are considered extremely rare, and when they do occur, they tend to be localized and mild. The immune response to titanium implants is generally minimal, as titanium forms a protective oxide layer on its surface that helps prevent corrosion and immune reactions.
It is also worth mentioning that the medical field has rigorous testing and screening protocols in place to identify potential allergies or sensitivities before implanting any medical devices, including titanium implants. These pre-implantation tests, such as patch testing and laboratory investigations, help to identify individuals who may have a higher risk of adverse reactions to certain materials.
While it is possible for some patients to develop delayed sensitivities or immune reactions to titanium implants over time, it is crucial to approach such claims with scientific evidence and peer-reviewed studies. Without robust research demonstrating a widespread problem of undetected titanium allergies leading to various health issues, it would be speculative to attribute unrelated symptoms solely to titanium implants.
If individuals have concerns about their implants or suspect an allergic reaction, it is recommended to consult with healthcare professionals who can conduct proper medical evaluations and provide appropriate advice based on individual circumstances.
Entlarvt
1 year ago
While it is true that some individuals may develop sensitivities or allergic reactions to certain materials over time, such as titanium implants, it is essential to consider the available scientific evidence and expert opinions on the matter.
When it comes to titanium implants, such as those used in dental or orthopedic procedures, allergic reactions are extremely rare. Titanium is known for its biocompatibility, meaning it is generally well-tolerated by the human body and does not typically trigger immune responses or sensitivities. Titanium implants have been extensively used for many years with a high success rate and minimal adverse reactions reported.
Allergic reactions to titanium are considered uncommon, and when they do occur, they are often associated with pre-existing allergies to other metals, such as nickel or cobalt, which may be present as impurities in the titanium alloy. In such cases, it is crucial for patients to inform their healthcare providers about any known metal allergies before undergoing implant procedures.
Furthermore, thorough pre-implant testing and evaluation are typically conducted to identify potential sensitivities or allergies. This includes assessing a patient's medical history, conducting skin patch tests, and utilizing other diagnostic techniques to determine the suitability of titanium implants. These measures help to minimize the risk of adverse reactions and ensure the best possible outcome for patients.
It is important to rely on scientifically sound studies, expert opinions, and medical guidelines when evaluating the safety and potential risks associated with medical implants. While anecdotal reports and individual experiences can provide valuable insights, they should be interpreted with caution and considered in the context of broader scientific knowledge and consensus.
Entlarvt
1 year ago
The problem is you'll never know who is going to be sensitive and its a growing problem.
Allergic reactions to titanium implants are extremely rare, and with proper testing, it is easy to identify individuals who are sensitive to titanium.
Biocompatibility of Titanium:
Titanium is widely recognized as a biocompatible material, meaning it is well-tolerated by the human body. When titanium implants are surgically placed, they generally integrate smoothly with the surrounding tissues without triggering an immune response. The biocompatibility of titanium is attributed to its oxide layer, which forms naturally upon exposure to oxygen. This oxide layer acts as a protective barrier, preventing direct contact between the titanium metal and body tissues, minimizing the risk of allergic reactions.
Low Reactivity and Corrosion Resistance:
Titanium exhibits excellent corrosion resistance, ensuring the stability and longevity of implants within the body. Unlike other metals, titanium does not easily corrode or release metal ions into the surrounding tissues. This low reactivity reduces the likelihood of an immune response, minimizing the risk of allergic reactions. The stable nature of titanium implants further contributes to their biocompatibility and the rarity of adverse reactions.
Lack of Allergenic Potential:
Titanium is considered to have low allergenic potential, meaning it does not commonly elicit allergic responses in individuals. The structure and properties of titanium do not typically trigger the immune system's sensitization process, which is necessary for an allergic reaction to occur. Unlike certain metals, such as nickel or cobalt, titanium has a significantly lower sensitization rate. This inherent low allergenic potential of titanium makes allergic reactions to titanium implants highly uncommon.
Minimal Reports of Allergic Reactions:
The medical literature contains very few documented cases of true allergic reactions specifically attributed to titanium implants. The reported cases are exceedingly rare, and most of them involve individuals with pre-existing metal allergies or hypersensitivity conditions. These isolated cases indicate that while allergic reactions to titanium are theoretically possible, they occur so infrequently that they are considered outliers.
Reliable Allergy Testing:
If there are concerns about an individual's sensitivity to titanium, allergy testing can be performed. Patch testing, which involves applying small amounts of allergens to the skin, can help identify potential allergic reactions. However, it is important to note that patch testing for titanium sensitivity is not a routine procedure due to the rarity of allergic reactions. In cases where a true allergic reaction is suspected, specialized testing can be conducted to determine the specific cause of the reaction.
In summary, allergic reactions to titanium implants are extremely rare due to titanium's biocompatibility, low reactivity, and lack of allergenic potential. The minimal reports of allergic reactions, coupled with the stability and corrosion resistance of titanium implants, contribute to their overall safety and rarity of adverse responses. While allergy testing is available for individuals with specific concerns, it is not a standard practice due to the low incidence of allergic reactions to titanium.
Entlarvt
1 year ago
While it is true that some individuals may develop allergic reactions to certain materials, including metals like titanium, attributing migraines solely to an allergic reaction from a dental implant requires careful examination and consideration of scientific evidence. Here are some points to consider:
Migraine triggers: Migraines can be triggered by a variety of factors, including stress, hormonal changes, certain foods, environmental factors, and genetic predispositions. It is important to consider these potential triggers before attributing migraines solely to an allergic reaction from a dental implant.
Allergic reactions and migraines: Allergic reactions can indeed cause headaches or migraines in some individuals. However, it is crucial to establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship between the specific allergic reaction to a dental implant material and the occurrence of migraines. Migraine triggers and causes can be complex and multifactorial, and it is often challenging to isolate a single factor as the sole cause.
Prevalence of allergic reactions to dental implants: While allergic reactions to dental implant materials like titanium can occur, they are relatively rare. Titanium is generally considered highly biocompatible, and allergic reactions to it are uncommon. The incidence of true allergies to titanium implants is low, with most individuals tolerating them well.
Comprehensive diagnosis: Before attributing migraines to an allergic reaction from a dental implant, a comprehensive evaluation by healthcare professionals, such as dentists and neurologists, is necessary. This may involve ruling out other potential causes for migraines and considering a range of factors that contribute to migraine development.
Individual variations: Each person's response to dental implants or any medical device can vary. Some individuals may develop hypersensitivity or allergic reactions to specific materials, while others tolerate them without issues. Identifying an individual's specific allergic reaction and its relationship to migraines requires a thorough evaluation of medical history, diagnostic tests, and expert medical judgment.
In summary, while allergic reactions to dental implant materials can occur, attributing migraines solely to an allergic reaction from a dental implant requires careful consideration of individual circumstances, comprehensive evaluation, and scientific evidence. It is essential to consult with healthcare professionals who can provide a thorough assessment and guidance tailored to each person's unique situation.
Entlarvt
1 year ago
CAN DENTAL IMPLANTS REALLY CAUSE MIGRAINES? NO – HERE’S WHY
https://badiedental.com/can-dental-implants-really-cause-migraines-no-heres-why/#:~:text=When%20Van%20Dyke%20came%20forward,his%20doctors%20found%20nothing%20abnormal.
If you are missing one or more teeth, you’ve likely heard that a titanium dental implant is an effective and modern replacement option. But there’s been some talk in the media about dental implants causing migraine headaches, most notably in 2013 when entertainer Dick Van Dyke claimed he was experiencing migraine headaches related to his dental implants. But how much truth is there to this claim? Can dental implants cause migraines, or are Van Dyke’s symptoms the result of another problem? Here’s what you need to know.
How the Myth Started
When Van Dyke came forward with his migraine story, he said that his migraines had been ongoing for a period of seven years. After rigorous tests including an MRI and a spinal tap, his doctors found nothing abnormal. That’s when Van Dyke concluded his dental implants must be the problem, although his publicity rep says that the doctors’ tests were inconclusive. From there, major entertainment tabloids caught wind of the story – and changed the headlines just enough to make it sound as if a doctor had made the dental implant conclusion instead of Van Dyke.
What Does the Science Tell Us?
Currently, there is no scientific evidence to support the idea that dental implants cause migraines. Dr. Lawrence G. Falender is a Fellow of the American Association of Oral Surgeons and a faculty member of the Indiana University School of Dentistry. Dr. Falender says that in the 26 years that he’s been performing dental implant surgery, he has never come across a case of dental implants causing migraines. Meanwhile. Dr. David Edenbaum has a scientific rationale for why dental implants can’t cause migraines in healthy patients. Dr. Edenbaum, who has been named one of America’s top dentists nine times courtesy of the Consumer’s Research Council of America, says that dental implants are too short to cause migraines. To cause a migraine, a dental implant would need to extend into the mouth – but they’re always encased in the jawbone, so even an improperly placed dental implant couldn’t cause a migraine.
But what about Van Dyke’s story? If a dental implant is too short to cause a migraine, then why did Van Dyke start getting migraines after getting a dental implant?
As it turns out, there are two potential causes of ongoing migraines in dental implant patients. The MELISA Foundation, an organization dedicated to the study of metal allergies, says that migraines are a symptom of a metal allergy.Though metal allergies are rare (they affect only 2-4% of all patients, according to MELISA Diagnostics), a 2013 research paper found that a metal allergy would explain symptoms such as headaches, muscle pain, and indigestion. Dental implants are made of titanium and can cause symptoms – including migraines – in people with metal allergies. That means the cause of the migraine isn’t the dental implant itself, but rather, the allergic reaction to it.
It’s also possible that improperly installed dental implants can create a misaligned bite, which could result in migraines. Misaligned bite is a minor issue that can be fixed with a bite analysis and orthotic.
Are Dental Implants a Safe Tooth Replacement Option?
Modern dental implants have been around since the 1970s, and the surgery used to fix titanium to the jawbone has been around even longer. After 45 years of research, there still aren’t any studies showing a link between dental implants and migraines. The truth is that when they’re properly inserted, dental implants are quite safe.
Entlarvt
1 year ago
Not only did Dick Van Dyke admit he was an alcoholic, he said he had been one for 25 years, starting out as a social drinker, “like everyone else.” When on the Dick Cavett show he admitted: “You’re always an alcoholic.”
Alcoholism is a causal factor in more than 60 medical conditions, and can cause long-term damage to a number of vital organs including the mouth, throat, stomach, liver and breasts. This doesn’t include other forms of damage such as high blood pressure ,depression and migraines.
Lets stick to facts and stay away from conspiracy theories and un founded claims and assumptions.
Entlarvt
1 year ago
Hold on to your dentures, folks, because we've got a hilarious tale about the legendary Dick Van Dyke and his unexpected cure for migraines - the removal of his dental implants! Get ready for a comedic twist on dental adventures!
Picture this: Dick Van Dyke, renowned actor and comedian, discovering a hidden secret to conquer his migraines. In a moment of inspiration, he realizes it's not a potion or a fancy gadget that will save the day, but the magical act of removing his dental implants!
Imagine the scene: Dick Van Dyke, dressed in a lab coat, holding a pair of oversized pliers, and exclaiming, "Implants, be gone! Farewell, migraines!" And just like that, his migraines vanish into thin air, leaving him stunned and wondering why he didn't try this hilarious remedy sooner.
But let's not get carried away with the hilarity. While it's amusing to envision such an unconventional solution, we must remember that dental implants serve a valuable purpose in many people's lives. They provide stability, functionality, and a bright smile that can light up any room.
So, let's take this humorous anecdote with a grain of dental salt. Dick Van Dyke's experience, though entertaining, shouldn't be mistaken for a universal migraine cure. It's like stumbling upon a comedy sketch in the dental clinic.
If you're suffering from migraines, it's always best to consult a qualified medical professional who can provide you with proper guidance and treatment options. As much as we adore the comedic genius of Dick Van Dyke, let's keep his dental escapades in the realm of entertainment rather than medical advice.
So, remember, laughter is the best medicine, but when it comes to dental health and migraines, trust the expertise of healthcare professionals. And if you happen to spot Dick Van Dyke brandishing pliers near a dental chair, well, you can bet there's a hilarious story waiting to unfold!
Disclaimer: This comedic reimagining is purely fictional and not intended to diminish the importance of dental implants or make light of migraines. Please seek appropriate medical advice for any health concerns.
boston745
1 year ago
Do you recall my post about Mr Dick Van Dykes headaches due to his Titanium implants? Thats caused by amplification of EM radiation, most likely from cell phones.
Those wireless sensors emit more EM radiation than people are already exposed to. If you have an electric car thats even more EM radiation exposure in addition to cellular, wireless, and bluetooth.
In same cases, combination of EM radiation leads to metal failure, known as the Hutchison Effect. This is all stuff I warn about over at the Tesla board in addition to it causing SUA/thermal runaway.
DewDiligence
1 year ago
(ZBH/SYK/JNJ/etc)—“Smart” orthopedic implants track_patient_progress:
https://www.wsj.com/articles/a-knee-replacement-that-talks-to-your-doctor-its-just-the-beginning-2f9940b1 Already, a “smart knee” from medical-device maker Zimmer Biomet Holdings Inc., introduced in 2021, comes with built-in sensors…that can wirelessly transmit a slew of data about how the replacement knee is working.
The details about your gait are sent daily to your orthopedic doctor, who can track your step counts, range of motion and other metrics in the months and years after surgery. Doctors tracking the information can reassure patients who are hitting recovery milestones. Or, if the performance measures fall short, a doctor may intervene to avoid having a patient stuck with an underperforming artificial knee, such as ordering a change in the patient’s physical-therapy regimen.
That’s just the beginning, say doctors and medical-device engineers. They predict sensors will be added to artificial hips, shoulders, and spinal implants. And they envision uses beyond orthopedics…
boston745
1 year ago
While sunblock titanium does get into the bloodstream over the years, it doesnt get anywhere near to the level of titanium implants. The metals in bloodstream does interact with increasing levels of EM radiation in the enviornment we find ourselves in. Interestingly Iron levels was a player in covid severity for just this reason. No idea if other metals played into as much. This is important as it will likely be a factor in the next pandemic.
The median (range) of blood titanium levels of the standard hip, spine rods, femoral tumour implants and massive acetabular implants were 1.2 ppb (0.6–4.9), 9.7 ppb (4.0–25.4), 2.6 ppb (0.4–104.4) and 5.7 ppb (1.6–31.5) respectively. Spine rods and massive acetabular implants had significantly greater blood titanium levels compared to the standard hips group (p?<?0.001).
https://bmcmusculoskeletdisord.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12891-022-05717-8
The serum titanium levels of patients with posterior lumbar spinal instrumentation are significantly higher than those of the normal population even after achievement of solid fusion.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0300060520984931
In one study with 20 COVID-19 patients, it was found that individuals with severe and very severe COVID-19 exhibited increased serum ferritin level, being serum ferritin in the very severe COVID-19 group significantly higher than in the severe COVID-19 group (1006.16 ng/ml [IQR: 408.265-1988.25] vs 291.13 ng/ml [IQR: 102.1-648.42], respectively). In agreement with this, another study revealed that in patients who died by COVID-19, ferritin levels were high upon hospital admission and throughout the hospital stay. The median values of serum ferritin levels after day 16 of hospitalization exceeded the upper limit of detection in these patients, suggesting that ferritin levels increased non-stop.https://www.paho.org/journal/en/articles/ferritin-levels-and-covid-19
boston745
1 year ago
Ok. Here are some other studies. The third study indicates that cellular radiation, thus other sources of EM radiation, can impact osseointegtation of implants.
These implants seemed to be acting as antennae and collecting harmful electromagnetic waves. Further studies are required to confirm this hypothesis.
https://www.scirp.org/html/1-1290026_49928.htm
WCR has become a ubiquitous environmental stressor that we propose may have contributed to adverse health outcomes of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 and increased the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, we recommend that all people, particularly those suffering from SARS-CoV-2 infection, reduce their exposure to WCR as much as reasonably achievable until further research better clarifies the systemic health effects associated with chronic WCR exposure.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34778597/
Cell Phone Radiation Effect on Bone-to-Implant Osseointegration: A Preliminary Histologic Evaluation in Rabbits
Conclusion: Implants exposed to cell phone radiation showed more inflammatory reaction when compared to the nonexposed implants, thus indicating that cellular phone overuse could affect the maturation of bone and thus delay osseointegration.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30892289/
boston745
1 year ago
Mmwave 5g in cities is going to make this problem way worse. It even plays into the increase in the severity of respiratory illness.
Titanium exposure and human health
Metals present within the body can act as an antenna to collect harmful radio waves, thus inducing many general and severe symptoms, such as headaches, fatigue, tinnitus, dizziness, memory loss, irregular heartbeats, and whole-body skin symptoms, which are considered to be caused by electromagnetic hypersensitivity. In dentistry, Ti dental implants may be the material most commonly associated with antenna activity and may promote harmful effects of electromagnetic waves.
However due to proximity, cervical spinal implants do as well. If people keep their phones in their pockets or attached to their belt, this would impact hip implants; much larger amplifier than any other implant.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/osi2.1001