Biomaterials and Tissue Biomechanics

Reconstructive surgery of bones and joints in orthopaedics, traumatology and maxillofacial surgery is mostly done using generic implants. In cases of gross bone loss, for example after resection of a bone tumour, bone resorption around a loosened prosthesis, or in cases of severe trauma, it may be impossible to adapt the bone to the prosthesis as bone stock is limited. In these cases, the implant has to be adapted to the bone and a custom made, patient specific implant has to be produced.

Such an implant should not only fit the patients anatomy, but should also be mechanically stable, biocompatible, and osteoconductive. But as bone is a living tissue that is able to adapt its mass and architecture to changes in external loads, changes in the loading of the bone caused by implantation of prostheses will induce changes in bone mass. In developing implants, these changes should be predicted for an optimal long lasting result.

The student will be acquainted with knowledge on type, composition, processing and properties of biomaterials along with their evolution. Metallic, polymeric and ceramic materials are included and their properties are described and compared with those of biological materials. The main methodologies for biomaterials characterization are covered as well as the procedures for biomaterials standardization and regulation. Further, the interactions between biomaterials and specific biological environments are explained and used for defining the specific requirements and selection principles for biomaterials. Finally, the research directions and approaches for development of novel biomaterials are outlined.