Biomaterials in Orthopedic Devices: Current Issues and Future Perspectives

Abstract

In orthopedics, bone fixation imposes the use of implants in almost all cases. Over time, the materials used for the implant have evolved from inert materials to those that mimic the morphology of the bone. Therefore, bioabsorbable, biocompatible, and bioactive materials have emerged. Our study aimed to review the main types of implant materials used in orthopedics and present their advantages and drawbacks. We have searched for the pros and cons of the various types of material in the literature from over the last twenty years. The studied data show that consecrated metal alloys, still widely used, can be successfully replaced by new types of polymers. The data from the literature show that, by manipulating their composition, the polymeric compounds can simulate the structure of the different layers of human bone, while preserving its mechanical characteristics. In addition, manipulation of the polymer composition can provide the initiation of desired cellular responses. Among the implanting materials, polyurethane is distinguished as the most versatile polymeric material for use both as orthopedic implants and as material for biomechanical testing of various bone reduction and fixation techniques.