Any idea what implant this is?

If you've ever looked at an X-ray and spotted an unfamiliar object, you're not alone. Surgeons, dentists, ER doctors—even radiologists—sometimes come across implants they can't immediately identify. With medical technology constantly evolving, recognizing an implant isn't always straightforward.

Why Implant Identification Matters

Implant identification isn't just academic — it's essential for:

• Planning surgeries or revisions
• Managing complications
• Understanding a patient’s history
• Avoiding legal and safety issues

Imagine adjusting dental work without realizing a post extends deeper than it appears — guessing isn’t an option.

The Problem: So Many Designs

There are thousands of implant types — Straumann, MegaGen, Neodent, and more. Each has unique designs, materials, and model numbers. Some are labeled on imaging, many aren’t. Older models, especially, can be hard to trace.

Common Questions

• Can you identify this implant?
• Which implant is this?
• Do you know this implant type?
• Recognize this implant?
• What’s the implant model?
• Who makes this implant?

These are the questions professionals ask every day. Until recently, the answers were buried in forums, brochures, or old records.

One Simple Solution

WhatImplantIsThat.com is a searchable database that helps identify orthopedic and dental implants by image. You can:

• Browse and compare hundreds of implants
• Identify shapes and models visually
• Crowdsource input from other professionals

Clues That Help Identification

• Shape and Size: Outline can hint at the manufacturer
• Material Density: Titanium vs. stainless steel shows up differently
• Serial Numbers: Some have tiny etched codes
• Surgical Location: Certain brands dominate specific areas
• Timeframe: Date placed can rule out newer models

Helpful Tools

• WhatImplantIsThat.com: A top public implant ID tool
• Radiology forums: Ask the crowd, get fast input
• Device reps: They often recognize their own designs instantly
• Patient records: Especially from hospitals or large institutions

Conclusion

An unidentified implant doesn’t have to stay a mystery. With tools like WhatImplantIsThat.com, you can go from confusion to clarity in seconds.

Trying to ID an implant? Share a photo (if appropriate) or a description. Let’s solve it together.