Basic principles of hydroxyapatite in joint replacement surgery.
Hydroxyapatite (HA) is currently being investigated for use in total hip arthroplasty.  This article reviews the principles underlying the rationale for its use.  Important concepts to understand include basic characteristics of HA, the implant-HA and HA-bone interfaces, biodegradability and the ability of HA to bridge gaps in bone.
The Hospital for Joint Diseases/Orthopaedic Institute, NY.
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Kirschenbaum
D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D005544:Forecasting; D006622:Hip Prosthesis / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D006882:Hydroxyapatites / Q000737:chemistry; D016348:Osseointegration / Q000502:physiology