Demands arise in joint replacement due to osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. Currently, imported implants are not yet suitable for Indonesians due to the different size.
Dr. Suyitno, S.T., M.Sc., lecturer and researcher in Mechanical Engineering and Metallurgy of UGM, along with other researchers from Engineering and Medicine Faculties joining the Center for Innovation of Medical Equipments and Devices (CIMEDs) have made a research in the joints of Indonesians for prothesis development. The researchers are Dr. dr. Puntodewo, M.Kes., Sp.OT(K), dr. Rahadyan Magetsari, Sp.OT(K). Ph.D., dr. Luthfi Hidayat, Sp.OT., Rini Dharrmastiti, M.Sc., Ph.D., and Urip Agus Salim, ST., M.Eng.Sc. The research also involves Orthopaedy and Traumatology Unit of Dr Sardjito General Hospital, UGM Hospital and PT. ORTIDE Indonesia.
The research found out that women have smaller tibia surface than men and there are significant differences in their femurs. Men and women also have smaller sizes as compared to Caucasians. Differences were also found as compared to other Asian populations. The research is funded by Higher Learning directorate through the National Strategic Research of Excellence 2014.
“The measurement will become a reference for further development of joint prostheses for Indonesian patients,” said Suyitno who chaired the team. In turn, they will be able to produce prostheses suitable and affordable for many Indonesians.