ABSTRACT
Refinements of synthesis of absorbable polymers for medical use have revolved mainly around reduction of host tissue reactions and promotion of functional integration. The fabrication of a device from polymers requires deciphering the key combinations of chemical characteristics and physical properties of the base materials, surface textures, and porosity of the end product, and general
anatomical and physiological conditions of the target tissues and organs for optimal reparative actions. The shapes and sizes of the devices are often designed to press-fit when in direct contact with the target tissues, e.g., bone, cartilage, dentin, and to be held in position by physiological and functional loading from the local host anatomy. The surfaces of the devices are made to provide attachment and tissue ingrowths. The degradation rate of the base material decides the patency of the fabricated pores and channels, and the biomechanical plasticity of the repairing tissues and organs. These factors have been shown to directly influence the clinical longevity of the devices because the hard tissue modeling and remodeling adjacent to these designs are very different.
