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Review
. 2022 May 18;15(10):3622.
doi: 10.3390/ma15103622.

A Review on Biomaterials for Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology: From Past to Present

Grzegorz Szczęsny  1 , Mateusz Kopec  2 , Denis J Politis  3 , Zbigniew L Kowalewski  2 , Adam Łazarski  1 , Tomasz Szolc  2
Affiliations
Review

A Review on Biomaterials for Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology: From Past to Present

Grzegorz Szczęsny et al. Materials (Basel). .

Abstract

The principal features essential for the success of an orthopaedic implant are its shape, dimensional accuracy, and adequate mechanical properties. Unlike other manufactured products, chemical stability and toxicity are of increased importance due to the need for biocompatibility over an implants life which could span several years. Thus, the combination of mechanical and biological properties determines the clinical usefulness of biomaterials in orthopaedic and musculoskeletal trauma surgery. Materials commonly used for these applications include stainless steel, cobalt-chromium and titanium alloys, ceramics, polyethylene, and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) bone cement. This study reviews the properties of commonly used materials and the advantages and disadvantages of each, with special emphasis on the sensitivity, toxicity, irritancy, and possible mutagenic and teratogenic capabilities. In addition, the production and final finishing processes of implants are discussed. Finally, potential directions for future implant development are discussed, with an emphasis on developing advanced personalised implants, according to a patient's stature and physical requirements.

Keywords: alloys; biocompatible materials; biomaterials; ceramic; implants; orthopaedic surgical procedures; polyethylene.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 2
Figure 2
Fragmentation (break) of ceramic head of the hip prosthesis that succumbed to accidental overload with mechanical forces of high amplitude.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Osseointegration of the bone with implant’s titanium, porous plasma-sprayed surface (stem of the hip prosthesis; TaperLoc, Zimmer Biomet, Zug, Switzerland).
Figure 5
Figure 5
An example of the acetabular cup grinding and its UHMWPE insert by Al2O3 ceramic head during decades-long weight bearing.
Figure 5
Figure 5
An example of the acetabular cup grinding and its UHMWPE insert by Al2O3 ceramic head during decades-long weight bearing.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Break of the stem of the hip prosthesis and macro-photograph of the surface of its breakthrough.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Broken stem of the hip prosthesis.
Figure 1
Figure 1
Areas of brittle and fatigue fractures at that site of the break of stainless-steel Dall-Miles Cable Plate (Stryker).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Creep and wear leading to deformation of the acetabular UHMWPE insert.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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