The Engineering of Human Joint Replacements

Since the major pioneering of joint replacement surgery morethan fifty years ago, much research and progress has been made inthe field of arthroplasty with new insights into better materials,types of cement and bone-cell compatible coatings, and a betterunderstanding of the causes of implant failure. With anincreasingly ageing population the requirement for arthroplasticsurgery is manifest; over 800,000 hips worldwide are replaced eachyear, and replacement surgery is performed for almost every jointof the body.
The Engineering of Human Joint Replacements covers thedesign, engineering, production and manufacture of human jointreplacements, as well as associated engineering concerns such assurface coatings, orthopedic bone cement, the causes and effects ofwear and tear, and rapid prototyping for clinical evaluation.Materials evaluation and selection is discussed, as well asproduction processes and insertion methods. The author provides anoverview of skeletal anatomy and the effects of pain anddeterioration in order to put the engineering principles into amedical context. Examples of joint replacements for the most commonregions of the body are included, and aspects of clinical studiesof these cases are discussed.
Key Features:
* Provides an overview of the engineering materials andprocesses involved in the manufacture of humanjoint replacements
* Sets the scene for engineers and clinicians embarking onresearch into joint replacements
* Includes clinical and industrial examples and points theway to future developments
* Provides information on medical device companies with anengineering guide to the requirements for joint replacement
The Engineering of Human Joint Replacements bridges thedivide between engineering and orthopaedic surgery, offering anintroductory text to young engineers entering the field, as well asa reference for medical staff who will benefit from anunderstanding of the materials and methods used in their design,engineering and manufacture.