title: Material considerations for intervertebral disc replacement implants.
abstract: Cervical and lumbar disc replacements are being performed with increasing frequency. Much of the background for the development for these implants is drawn from the literature of other joint replacements that have been in evolution and use for decades. Important variables for the function and longevity of such disc arthroplasty implants are clearly defined by the material properties of the components used for their production. The most frequently considered materials are cobalt-chrome alloys, titanium alloys, stainless steels, polyethylene, polyurethane and ceramics. In addition to implant materials, the interfaces of such materials must be considered. The bearing surfaces of an implant, in particular, are at risk of wear and failure. Overall, successful, long-term total disc arthroplasty requires a thorough understanding of biomaterials and how they can be used to achieve their desired goals.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Yale University School of Medicine, 800 Howard Avenue, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
authors.forename: Sudeep
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Taksali
authors.forename: Jonathan N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Grauer
authors.forename: Alexander R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Vaccaro
mesh_terms: D019643:Arthroplasty, Replacement / Q000295:instrumentation*; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae; D006801:Humans; D007403:Intervertebral Disc; D007595:Joint Prosthesis; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000601:surgery; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000601:surgery
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials