ABSTRACT
The orthopaedic surgeon uses materials to multiple and various ends in treating disabilities of the musculoskeletal system. There are many requirements that these materials must meet if they are to form either a temporary or a lasting union with the part of the body being treated, and the recipe for each material is often unique and tailored to the particular application. Considerations for the ideal material for orthopaedic applications include its material strength and stiffness, biologic response, toxicity, and conductivity, just to name a few. All of these factors derive from the structure and composition of materials, and their study constitutes the materials science called biomaterials.
