1. Material Challenges for Biomedical Applications: An Example
Peter Ping Liu, Ph D, PE, CQE, OCP and CSIT
Professor and Coordinator of Graduate Programs
School of Technology
Eastern Illinois University
Charleston, IL 61920
USA

2. An Example: Human Knee

3. Normal Knee With Healthy Articular Cartilage

4. Diseased Knee
worn cartilage

5. Common Problems (Arthritis)
Osteoarthritis (OA)
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Post-traumatic Arthritis

6. Pain Stiff joint Immobility
Consequences
Pain
Stiff joint
Immobility

7. Total joint replacement normally is the last treatment option if everything else fails.

8. Typical Total Knee Replacement

9. Total Hip Joint Replacement

10. Shoulder Replacement

11. Elbow Replacement

12. Challenges: Possible Complications of Surgery
Problems with anesthesia
Cardiovascular problems including heart attack
Vascular problems including thrombus
Bronchopulmonary problems including emboli
Genitourinary problems
Gastrointestinal problems.

13. Challenges: Joint Replacement Surgery
Bleeding problems
Blood clots in the legs and/or lungs
Wound healing problems
Damage to nerves and blood vessels
Limb length discrepancy
Bone erosion or abnormal bone formation
Dislocation
Infection
Pain
Bone fracture or non-union
Component loosening

14. Challenges: Patients Physical therapy Moderate exercise
Care of the joints

15. Materials Challenges: Mechanical Properties
Support the load.
No significant facture or fatigue.

16. Materials Challenges: Tribological Properties
Low friction
Minimum wear
Small particle generation.

17. Materials Challenges: Chemical Properties
Chemically inert in the body
Compatible with tissue
No adversary reaction/interaction

18. Typical Product Development (Laboratory)
Biomechanical analysis
Mechanical design and testing
Environmental study: Saline, bovine serum and others

19. Typical Product Development
Animal trial
FDA compliance and approval
Clinical trial
Good manufacturing practice (quality assurance)