Advantages and Disadvantages of Ceramics

Iliac crest repair after hone removal 

FIGURE 35.2 Illustration of the head-to-toe clinical uses for bloceramics. 

FIGURE 35.1 Relative reactivity of the different classes of bioceramic. TCP is tricalcium phosphate. 

In the selection of a material for a particular application we always have a choice. Materials selection is a critical part of any component design process and is especially important for implants and other medical devices. 

The three main classes of material from which we can select for a load-bearing application are metals, polymers, and ceramics. Table 35.2 is a comparative list of the significant physical properties of different biomaterials from each of the three classical material classes. Table 35.3 compares the behavior of these different classes relevant to their potential use as implants. 

---