When selecting a biomaterial to be used as an orthopedic implant, what are some of the properties or characteristics of the material that should be considered?

Some of the properties or characteristics of the biomaterial to be used as an orthopedic implant are: chemical inert and high-fatigue resistance.

Explanation:

Biomaterial- this is defined as any substance or a combination of substance (synthetic or natural) that is used to treat, augment, or replace any tissue, organ or function of the body. It also plays an important role as a delivery vehicle for pharmaceuticals and biomolecules.

Orthopedic implants- this is a medical device that has been manufactured in order to replace a missing bone or joint. It is also used to support a damaged bone.

The choice of implant is very important as it influences the biocompatibility, rigidity, corrosion and tissue receptivity. It also affects the stability within the skeleton of the human body. When selecting a biomaterial to be used as an orthopedic implant, it should have the following properties: chemically inert, absolutely biocompatible, great strength, high-fatigue resistance, low-elastic modulus, absolute corrosion-proof, good weear resistance and inexpensive. I will only be discussing two properties: chemically inert and high-fatigue resistance.

Chemically Inert- this means that the biomaterial should not be chemically reactive and should be stable under certain conditions. This will allow proper cellular and tissue growth.

High-fatigue resistance- the biomaterial should be able to withstand repeated and varying loads. This will contribute to the material's stability. Fatigue of biomaterials is one of the problems why medical implants or devices fail.