Biomaterials in Orthopaedic Surgery

His background combines research in application of the neutron activation analysis technique to study the interstitial oxygen in niobium-titanium solid solution alloys in order to determine the effect of interstitial oxygen on the superconductive transition temperature of these materials; industrial research in steelmaking using sponge iron as feedstock in electric arc furnaces to produce low carbon steels; and the optimization of the steelmaking process. His teaching experience includes courses in nuclear and experimental physics, metallurgy, materials science, and biomaterials. Dr. Rodríguez has presented papers related with his research work in national and international forums. He has also been a consultant for several industrial companies. His current research interests include implant wear in hip and knee joint replacements, loosening of femoral stem components, acetabular cup and femoral stem component coatings, massive bone allograft mechanic properties sterilized with gamma radiation, design considerations of some joint prosthetic devices, and therapy in soft and hard tissue tumors. #### 1.2.3 Mechanical and Biological Stabilities The orthopaedic surgeon should seek the biomechanical stability of the implant, and the human body will take care of the biological stability. #### 1.2.4 Properties of Biomaterials Some of the most important properties of biomaterials that should be carefully studied and analyzed in their applications are tensile strength, yield strength, elastic modulus, corrosion and fatigue resistance, surface fi nish, creep, and hardness. \* The following paragraphs are adapted, with permission, copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428, www.astm.org. \*\* The following paragraph is an extract adapted from the ISO Web site with permission from The International Organization for Standardization. This book reviews the biomaterials (metallic, non-metallic and bone allografts) used for orthopaedic applications and explains both the engineering and clinical aspects of their use and performance within the human body. Successful orthopaedic device development and surgical practice requires a strong integration of different disciplines of science, including anatomy, biology, biomechanics, biomaterials, metallurgy, materials science, chemistry, and, more recently, biotechnology and nanotechnology. This volume helps bridge the gap among these disciplines, with emphasis on the fundamental principles of biomechanics and biomaterials. Case studies are used to explain and illustrate the concepts. Specific applications addressed include internal and external bone fracture fixation, hip and knee joint replacements, spine implants and disc prostheses, and the application of structural bone allografts for patients with bone tumors (sarcoma). Reviews the biomaterials (metallic, non-metallic and bone allografts) used for orthopaedic applications and explains both the engineering and clinical aspects of their use and performance within the human body. Specific applications addressed include internal and external bone fracture fixation, hip and knee joint replacements, and spine implants and disc prostheses.