The past, present and near future of materials for use in biodegradable orthopaedic implants

Abstract

The aim of bone replacement or fracture treatment methodologies is to induce tissue regeneration respecting anatomy and try to recover functionality. This goal was initially achieved in the 17th century by using animal or human grafts and several medical devices made of natural and synthetic materials are currently used having a whole range of chemical and physical properties. Research in this field continues to seek a solution to the disadvantages usually found when using grafts: immunological reactions, the risk of microbiological contamination, the absence of donors, the need for several surgical interventions and the risk of disease transmission. Basic and applied research must thus be carried out not only in the development of biology and studies about embryonic stem cells but also in the field of new material development. This tendency may be clearly detected by looking at the vast numbers of studies related to using metallic, polymer and ceramic materials and, at present, compound or hybrid materials having potential use in orthopaedic implants. Most of them fulfil conditions regarding biocompatibility and non-toxicity and could be considered when designing biodegradable materials thereby making it feasible to identify a range of research subjects on biomaterials. This paper starts by identifying material development periods and then establishes the advantages and disadvantages of groups which have been considered for bone regeneration and identifies some guidelines which should be taken into account in the field of biodegradable materials in the near future. There is still a long way to go in this subject, especially regarding the field of materials science and technology