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Biomaterials for Total Joint Replacements

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Biomechanics and Biomaterials in Orthopedics

Abstract

The role of the chemical-physical characteristics of the prosthetic biomaterials in the biomechanics of a total joint replacement is presented. The following main biomaterials are discussed: (1) the ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE): standard, cross linked, stabilized with vitamin E; (2) the polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA): standard cement, cements with low temperature polymerization, antibiotic-loaded cements; (3) the ceramic materials: oxide ceramics (over all Alumina-Zirconia Composites) as components of the artificial joint, and calcium phosphate ceramics as osteoconductive coatings on metal alloy components; (4) the metallic materials: stainless steel, alloys based on the Co-Cr system, Ti and its alloys. To know how the biomaterial modifies its mechanical properties in accordance with the manufacturing, sterilization, storage, handling, contact with- and reaction to the patient’s tissues and fluids is fundamental for the researchers and the surgeons, allowing a successful implant.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1st Orthopaedic Clinic University of Turin, Centro Traumatologico Ortopedico, Torino, Italy

    Elena M. Brach del Prever MD

  2. Molecular Imaging Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Torino, Italy

    Luigi Costa PhD

  3. Department of Clinical Orthopedics, Catholic University, Roma, Italy

    Corrado Piconi MSc

  4. Laboratory of Metallurgy, Chemistry Department, University of Turin, Torino, Italy

    Marcello Baricco PhD

  5. Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University of Turin, Torino, Italy

    Alessandro Massè MD

Authors
  1. Elena M. Brach del Prever MD
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  2. Luigi Costa PhD
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  3. Corrado Piconi MSc
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  4. Marcello Baricco PhD
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  5. Alessandro Massè MD
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Elena M. Brach del Prever MD .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Hôpital Nord, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille CX 20, France

    Dominique G. Poitout

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Brach del Prever, E.M., Costa, L., Piconi, C., Baricco, M., Massè, A. (2016). Biomaterials for Total Joint Replacements. In: Poitout, D. (eds) Biomechanics and Biomaterials in Orthopedics. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-84882-664-9_5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-84882-664-9_5

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  • Print ISBN: 978-1-84882-663-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-84882-664-9

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