Review
The use of composite materials in modern orthopaedic medicine
and prosthetic devices: A review
M.-S. Scholz
⇑
, J.P. Blanchfield, L.D. Bloom, B.H. Coburn, M. Elkington, J.D. Fuller, M.E. Gilbert,
S.A. Muflahi, M.F. Pernice, S.I. Rae, J.A. Trevarthen, S.C. White, P.M. Weaver, I.P. Bond
Advanced Composites Centre for Innovation and Science (ACCIS), University of Bristol, Queen’s Building, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TR, UK
article info
Article history:
Received 21 April 2011
Received in revised form 18 August 2011
Accepted 19 August 2011
Available online 30 August 2011
Keywords:
A. Polymer-matrix composites (PMCs)
A. Polymers
B. Interface
B. Mechanical properties
Orthopaedics
abstract
The use of fibre reinforced composite materials for biomedical purposes is reviewed. The development of
polymer composite materials has, in recent years, led to technological advances across a wide range of
applications in modern orthopaedic medicine and prosthetic devices. Composites typically possess a
superior strength to weight characteristic compared to monolithic materials and offer excellent biocom-
patibility. They are, therefore, favourable for both hard- and soft-tissue applications as well as the design
of prostheses. In particular, the development of specifically designed carbon fibre sports prostheses now
allows lower-limb amputees to actively participate in competitive sports. Sensory feedback systems, por-
ous composite materials for tissue engineering and functional coatings for metallic implants are further
developments anticipated to be introduced in next generation orthopaedic medicine.
Ó 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Contents
1. Introduction . . . ..................................................................................................... 1792
2. Hard-tissue applications . . . . . . . . . . . . .................................................................................. 1793
2.1. Bone fracture repair . . . . ........................................................................................ 1793
2.2. Total knee replacement. . ........................................................................................ 1795
2.3. Total hip replacement . . . ........................................................................................ 1795
2.4. Dental applications . . . . . ........................................................................................ 1795
3. Soft-tissue applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . .................................................................................. 1796
4. Tissue engineering applications. . . . . . . .................................................................................. 1796
5. Special prosthetics for application in professional sports . . . . . ............................................................... 1797
6. Commercial prosthetics . . . . . . . . . . . . . .................................................................................. 1799
7. Biomimetic sensors, actuators and artificial muscles. . . . . . . . . ............................................................... 1800
7.1. Biomedical applications of ionic polymer-metal composites . . . . . . . ..................................................... 1800
7.2. Challenges faced with ionic polymer-metal composites. . . . . . . . . . . ..................................................... 1800
8. Future directions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .................................................................................. 1800
9. Conclusions. . . . ..................................................................................................... 1801
Acknowledgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .................................................................................. 1801
References . . . . ..................................................................................................... 1801
0266-3538/$ - see front matter Ó 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
doi:10.1016/j.compscitech.2011.08.017
⇑
Corresponding author.
E-mail address: M.Scholz@bristol.ac.uk (M.-S. Scholz).
Composites Science and Technology 71 (2011) 1791–1803
Contents lists available at SciVerse ScienceDirect
Composites Science and Technology
journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/compscitech