About composite materials and their use in bone surgery

Composite materials consist of two or even more different material componen ts or phases, which are combined with the aim to improve physical, mechanic al and/or biological properties. Such structures are designed to fulfil ver y specific requirements with respect to a selected device application makin g full use of their higher weight-specific strength and/or stiffness. Furth ermore, these materials offer an opportunity for constructing radiolucent d evices. In medical technology, composite materials mainly consist of a polymer matr ix and fibres as a reinforcement phase. Composites similar to those known f rom technical applications reveal a number of specific biological problems. This is due to the materials and manufacturing processes available for the construction of such composites preventing their unrestricted use in direc t bone contact. Nevertheless, an application potential for these materials in bone surgery exists and justifies further research and development effor ts.