Engineering Theory in Orthopaedics

Reflecting the trend towards a multi-disciplinary approach to biomechanical engineering, this concise book outlines the basics of engineering and materials theory and uses orthopaedics as an area of application. The authors present the underlying principles fundamental to this subject, commencing with the broad field of materials. They explain the most commonly used terms, such as strength, elasticity, and plasticity, and describe a range of materials testing methods such as tensile testing, compression testing and fatigue testing. They cover the range of materials including steels, cobalt based alloys, ceramics, glasses and plastics, and consider human tissue as an appropriate material. A section on engineering theory explains basic engineering principles, employing minimal mathematical theory and abundant graphical representation. The book then presents the applications of the material described in orthopaedic situations, using engineering theorems to analyze the mechanics of various bone fractures. Methods of bone fracture management and the relevant engineering principles are explained.