Abstract
Commercially available metallic orthopaedic implant materials cause major problems like stress shielding and the release of harmful ions due to corrosion and wear. Also, the secondary operation is a must for the implant removal. Therefore, the biodegradable and biocompatible magnesium (Mg) implant materials have been investigated. Mg shows favorable biological properties and matching mechanical properties with the natural bone. Mg alloys rapidly corrode in the physiological environment, which cause failure of the implant before completing the expected function. Surface coating is the most effective method for improving the corrosion performance of Mg and its alloys. Hydroxyapatite (HA), being the most stable phase of calcium phosphates in physiological conditions, is preferred as a coating material. The chapter focuses on the tribo-corrosion and characterization of HA coatings prepared by electrodeposition process on Mg alloys. The results are useful for the designer community in the selection of biocompatible coatings and process parameters to maximize the life of bio-implants.
TopMagnesium As Orthopaedic Material
Mg is lightweight alkaline earth metal. It is biocompatible and biodegradable. Mg is an essential nutrient required to carry out many biological functions in the human body. The mechanical and biological properties of Mg can be utilised to replace traditional orthopaedic implants.
Key Terms in this Chapter
In-Vivo Tests: These tests are performed by actually implanting the biodegradable material into a living organism. The results obtained are more realistic as the implant is exposed to real physiological conditions.
Biomaterials: Biomaterials are natural or synthetic substances which interact with living organisms used to augment or repair or replace natural functions of diseased biological systems.
Cytotoxicity: Cytotoxicity is the toxicity caused by a material or process which leads to cell damage or cell death.
In-Vitro Tests: The in-vitro tests are performed in simulated physiological environment outside the body of living organism. These tests are used to determine the cytotoxicity of biomaterials before actually implanting the biomaterial in the body of living organism.
Biocompatibility: It is property of material, that produces no undesirable or harmful or toxic effect while coexisting or interacting with living system.
Biodegradable: It is a material that can be broken down or decomposed naturally by living organisms.
Osteoinduction: It is part a of bone healing process in which new bone formation is induced.
Implant: It is a man-made biocompatible material implanted in human body used to repair or replace diseased or damaged or missing part.
Osteoconduction: It is part a of bone healing process which promotes the bone growth on a surface.