Metallic materials for biomedical applications: Laboratory and clinical studies

Abstract

Prolongation of the average life expectancy and an active lifestyle in old age are related to the constant increase in the number of joint diseases that eventually require a surgical procedure. The diseased joint is replaced with a joint prosthesis, the functionality of the joint is recovered, and pain is reduced. In the last decade, the number of joint replacement operations has increased several times over and is expected to increase further. In order to enable patients to have a painless and active lifestyle, it is necessary to develop materials that are long-lasting in vivo. Metallic biomaterials must exhibit high corrosion and wear resistance. In vitro research on materials under simulated physiological conditions is presented. These experiments are complemented by examples from clinical practice performed in collaboration with orthopedic surgeons. Morphological and chemical changes in the material during the course of in vivo performance are related to processes of wear and corrosion. The local and systemic consequences of these processes in the human body are presented. © 2010 IUPAC.