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Basic Science
intermediate
X-Type

Biomaterials in Orthopaedic Surgery

Biomaterials

A resident asks about the different metals used for orthopaedic implants. She notes that plates are often stainless steel while hip stems may be titanium or cobalt-chrome. The attending explains the properties of different biomaterials and why specific materials are chosen for different applications. Regarding biomaterials in orthopaedic surgery:

Mark each as TRUE or FALSE

A

Stainless steel (316L) is an iron-chromium-nickel alloy with chromium (17-20%) providing corrosion r...

B

Titanium alloys (commonly Ti-6Al-4V) have a lower modulus of elasticity (110 GPa) closer to bone (15...

C

Titanium has a higher modulus than stainless steel causing more stress shielding; cobalt-chrome has ...

D

Cobalt-chrome alloys (CoCrMo) have the highest hardness and wear resistance of orthpaedic metals, ma...

E

Ceramics (alumina, zirconia) have excellent wear properties and hardness, produce minimal wear debri...

Answer the questions to see explanations

Click T (True) or F (False) for each option