Metallic Biomaterials in Skeletal Repair

Abstract

Metallic biomaterials are becoming increasingly important in skeletal repair. The goal of this review article is to present an overview of metallic implant materials currently used in trauma and orthopedic surgery. Further, new research trends and future clinical concepts are described and discussed. Titanium, titanium alloys, stainless steels and CoCr alloys are used as bone implants in orthopedic and trauma surgery. Especially titanium and its alloys currently constitute the most highly favoured implant materials for joint replacement and osteosynthesis. In comparison to other metallic implant materials, titanium is characterized by a high biocompatibility, a good workability and corrosion resistance with suitable mechanical properties (low Young’s modulus—high strength). To improve orthopedic implants, there is a trend in current research towards the development of new titanium alloys with improved biological and biomechanical properties. To achieve a fast and safe bone fixation of the implants, optimized surface characteristics and surface structures are applied. Biomimetic coatings with and without the ability to release growth factors and cell coatings even including the development of stem-cell-coated titanium implants for the partial surface replacement of joints are under investigation.