title: Nanotechnology in joint replacement.
abstract: This paper reviews the most relevant achievements and new developments in the field of nanomaterials and their possible impact on the fabrication of a new generation of reliable and longer lasting implants for joint replacement. Special emphasis is given to the role of nanocomposites with different microstructural designs: micro-nano composites, nano-nano composites, macro-micro-nano composites as well as bioinspired hierarchical composite materials. These nanostructured materials have opened up an exciting avenue in the design of non-metallic biocompatible, crack growth resistant, tough, and mechanically resistant implants with a lifespan close to the life expectancy of the patients.
authors.affiliation: CINN-CSIC, Universidad de Oviedo, Parque Tecnológico de Asturias, Llanera, Asturias, Oviedo, Spain. r.torrecillas@cinn.es
authors.forename: Ramón
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Torrecillas
authors.forename: José S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Moya
authors.forename: Luis A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Díaz
authors.forename: José F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Bartolomé
authors.forename: Adolfo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Fernández
authors.forename: Sonia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lopez-Esteban
mesh_terms: D019643:Arthroplasty, Replacement / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007595:Joint Prosthesis; D053761:Nanocomposites; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods*