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Evidence. Clarity. Practice.

© 2026 OrthoVellum. For educational purposes only.

Not medical advice. Verify clinically important information against current local guidance.

Back to Research
Level VMust KnowBasic ScienceBasic Science

Evidence brief

Orthopaedic Biomaterials

Biomaterials in Orthopaedic Surgery

Authors
Ratner BD, Hoffman AS, Schoen FJ, Lemons JE
Journal
Biomaterials Science
Year
2004

Key Findings

  • 1

    Metals: stainless steel, titanium, cobalt-chrome

  • 2

    Polymers: UHMWPE, PMMA, PEEK

  • 3

    Ceramics: alumina, zirconia, hydroxyapatite

  • 4

    Each has specific mechanical and biological properties

  • 5

    Material selection based on application requirements

Clinical Implications

Material selection in orthopaedic implants balances mechanical requirements, biological compatibility, and long-term performance.

Teaching Note

Know key properties: Stainless steel (high strength, notch-sensitive, corrodes), titanium (biocompatible, lower modulus, osseointegrates), CoCr (hard, wear-resistant, metal ion concerns). UHMWPE cross-linking. PMMA properties. Galvanic corrosion principles.

Citation

Ratner BD et al. Biomaterials Science: An Introduction to Materials in Medicine. 2nd ed. Amsterdam: Elsevier; 2004.

Evidence Level

V

Level V

Expert opinion or mechanism-based reasoning

Topics

biomaterialsmetalspolymersceramicsimplants

Related Topics

  • Implant Materials
  • Corrosion
  • Bearing Surfaces

External Links

Related Papers

III

Biofilm Biology

Costerton JW (1999)

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Perren Strain Theory

Perren SM (1979)

V

AO Principles

Müller ME (1969)

V

Wolff's Law

Wolff J (1892)