Introduction to mechanical testing of orthopedic implants

Musculoskeletal diseases and disorders, including trauma create a need for biomedical implants to reconstruct bone and its associated soft tissues. With the increased activity of an aging population, the number of orthopedic devices being implanted worldwide is continuing to climb. These orthopedic implants include devices for fracture fixation; joint replacement; tumor reconstruction; soft tissue repair; and fusion, reconstruction, or stabilization of the spine. Mechanical testing of these orthopedic implants can involve analysis of the implant rigidity, testing how many cycles it takes until it breaks, how the implant influences the rest of the body around it, or a multitude of other needs. No matter what the need or circumstance, it is important to recognize that the way in which an implant is tested should always attempt to represent the way in which it is mechanically loaded in the body in clinical use. Therefore appropriate testing of orthopedic implants must include knowledge of basic mechanical and materials concepts; the anatomy surrounding the device; and biomechanics of the implant, the body, and the interface between the body and implant. One should have insight into the design of the implant and how the implant is used clinically at all stages. This book provides the fundamentals of this necessary information for the major orthopedic implants used for joint replacement and hard tissue repair.