A wide range of ceramic materials are currently used in biomedical applicat
ions, from chemically pure oxides, such as alumina, to the chemically and m
icrostructurally complex ceramic-matrix composites. Among the most signific
ant applications are the hydroxyapatite coatings on hip prostheses and the
use of hydroxyapatite and/or related calcium salts for bone defect and frac
ture repair.;Increasing applications of ceramic and glass materials can be
expected in both orthopaedics and dentistry. The use of these materials in
cancer treatment also appears promising. The development of biomimetic proc
essing techniques and protein delivery systems represent the cutting edge i
n bioceramics, involving the merger of materials science with the biologica
l sciences.