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

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.

Biocompatibility and osseointegration properties of a novel high strength and low modulus β- Ti10Mo6Zr4Sn3Nb alloy

“…Because of the defects of Ti6Al4V materials, domestic and foreign researchers have been committed to researching and developing new medical titanium alloys with better comprehensive properties ( Sarraf et al, 2022 ; Szczesny et al, 2022 ). In the mid-1990s, Switzerland and Germany successively developed the second generation of medical titanium alloys Ti6Al7Nb and Ti5Al2.5Fe, which replaced V with Nb and Fe.…”

Accumulation of blood chromium and cobalt in the participants with metal objects: findings from the 2015 to 2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)

“…A recent study on 51 patients also reported a relationship between increased serum Cr and Co levels and spinal implants [ 11 ]. The literature review based on 43 studies indicated blood concentration of Cr ranged between 0.5 and 2.5 μg/L, and Co ranged from 0.7 to 3.4 μg/L among those patients exposed to metal-on-metal implants [ 12 – 14 ] Meanwhile, percutaneous coronary intervention with Co-Cr coronary stents does not cause serum Cr and Co concentrations elevation based on 20 patients [ 6 ]. The controversial results might be due to the limitation of the sample size, so the research on the effect of metal implants on a large population is still needed.…”

Laser-Deposited Beta Type Ti-42Nb Alloy with Anisotropic Mechanical Properties for Pioneering Biomedical Implants with a Very Low Elastic Modulus

“…Metallic materials and alloys are commonly employed in biomedical applications, primarily for the restoration of damaged hard tissue [ 1 , 2 ]. Commercially pure titanium (cp-Ti) and titanium alloys, Co-Cr alloys, and even stainless steels are widely applied in this field due to their superior strength and toughness.…”

“…Commercially pure titanium (cp-Ti) and titanium alloys, Co-Cr alloys, and even stainless steels are widely applied in this field due to their superior strength and toughness. Their mechanical properties are the most essential safety requirements for a biomaterial under load-bearing conditions [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. Nowadays, they cannot be replaced by polymers or ceramics [ 3 ].…”

“…Commercially pure titanium (cp-Ti) and Ti-6Al-4V are thought of as the most appropriate metallic materials for orthopedic and dental applications because of their excellent properties, such as good biocompatibility, superb corrosion resistance, toughness, and a low elastic modulus [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ]. However, cp-Ti and Ti-6Al-4V exhibit some weaknesses: the wear resistance and strength of cp-Ti is not high enough for some biomedical applications [ 3 ]; and Ti-6Al-4V has excellent strength, but the release of toxic V and Al ions in the human body can originate long-term health complications [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ].…”