Oxide Ceramics for Biomedical Applications

This article is focused on the use as biomaterials of alumina, of zirconia and of their composites. The development of the biomedical applications of oxide ceramics is traced in an historical perspective since the first studies carried out in the 1960s. The chemical-physical behavior of oxide ceramics are reviewed, as well as the mechanical properties and their wear behavior with reference to joint replacements bearings. The article summarize the in-vitro and in-vivo assessment of the biocompatibility of ceramic oxides and the results obtained in the characterization of the radioelement contents in zirconia ceramics. The present use of components made of oxide ceramics in the replacements of the hip, knee, shoulder, ankle joints as well as in hand metacarpal joints and spinal disk replacements is outlined.