Degradable polymers for skeletal implants.

9781606924266

Degradable polymers for skeletal implants.

Wuisman, Paul I. J. M. & Theo Smit

Nova Science Publishers

2009

396 pages

$79.00

Hardcover

R857

Traditionally, skeletal implants are made of metal, but degradable implants eliminate the necessity of retrieval operations. An integrated overview of the properties of degradable polymers and their application in skeletal surgery is offered here. The book consists of three parts on basic science and engineering, clinical application of degradable implants, and innovation and future developments. Some chapter topics covered include the molecular structure of degradable polymers, time-dependent failure in load-bearing polymers, polylactides and their co-polymers, composites based on degradable polymers, processing of bioabsorbable polymers, and fracture repair with degradable implants. Fibula regeneration after vascularized fibular graft harvesting, degradable polymers in cranio-maxillo-facial surgery, absorbable materials in shoulder surgery, and degradable polymers in hand surgery are some other areas explored. Color and b&w photomicrographs and computer images are included. Wuisman and Smit are affiliated with the Skeletal Tissue Engineering Group Amsterdam (STEGA).

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