Review of Existing Biomaterials—Method of Material Selection for Specific Applications in Orthopedics

Biomaterials have emerged as a very important material class for wide application in medicine. Intensive research during the last decade strongly indicates that many health-related problems can be efficiently overcome with these new materials. Quality of life has been significantly increased for patients who need reconstructive surgeries, especially in comparison with old solutions. This paper reviews biomaterials in orthopedics that are used either as a support or substitute for bone tissues, from the aspect of their properties and state-of-the-art results in real clinical cases. Limitations and further directions of research are presented. Metal, ceramic and polymer materials, as well as new composites and new material structures, are reviewed, such as biodegradable porous materials and scaffolds. Nowadays, optimal selection of materials is one of the challenges imposed by the presence of many novel materials that can be used in specific applications. A general method of material selection is presented related to the hip stem and permanent metal biomaterials.