MODERN BIOMATERIALS FOR ORTHOPAEDIC IMPLANTS

At present, strong requirements in orthopedics are still to be met, both in bone and joint substitution and in the repair and regeneration of bone defects. In this framework, tremendous advances in the biomaterials field have been made in the last 50 years where materials intended for biomedical purposes have evolved through three different generations, namely first generation, second generation and third generation. With the increasing use of orthopaedic implants worldwide, there continues to be great interest in the development of novel technologies to further improve the effective clinical performance of contemporary treatment modalities, devices. Continuing research interest also exists in developing novel bulk biomaterials (e.g., polycarbonate urethanes, silicon) or novel formulations of existing but less widely used biomaterials (e.g., poly aryl ether ketones, poly ether ketone). In terms of tissue engineering, more recent developments have focused on basic engineering and biological fundamentals to use cells, signalling factors, and the scaffold material itself to better restore tissue and organ structure and function. There has also been recent controversy with the use of injectable as a nonsurgical approach to treat joint disorders, but more attention is being directed toward the development newer formulations with different molecular weights. The industry has also continuously sought to improve coatings to supplement the function of existing implants, with the goal of improving their Osseo integrative qualities and incorporating antimicrobial properties. These include the use of bone morphogenetic protein, bisphosphonates, calcium phosphate, silicon nitride, and iodine. Further development of bioactive glass, ceramic materials, and porous titanium particles.