Flowchart for basic non-destructive testing technologies in biomaterials

Abstract

Many accidents result in bone loss, tissue loss or vein loss either in the limbs, hands, spinal, skull or teeth. Biomaterials have their applications in orthopedic, vascular, tissue, dental and spinal implants to augment and replace the loss. However, the biomaterials which are to be implanted into the human body must be compatible with the human body and hence a close, long follow up observation should be employed to monitor for any adverse effects that may occur. Currently we have a few non-destructive testing technologies available to characterize the various features that may arise during and after the implantation. Depending on the different types of biomaterials, different features interested, different purposes of testing, the different nondestructive testing technologies should be used. This study aims to provide a general flowchart to determine the most suitable nondestructive evaluation technologies based on their working mechanism and applications. A flowchart has been drawn based on the review of the current non destructive testing techniques in biomaterials. All the steps that are to be followed in non destructive testing are indicated in the flowchart. © 2009 Springer Berlin Heidelberg.