Degradable polymers for skeletal implants

The purpose of this book is present an integrated overview of the properties of degradable polymers and their application in skeletal surgery. The book consists of three parts: A. Basic Science and Engineering; B. Clinical application of degradable implants; and C. Innovation and future developments. All chapters are written by experts with a substantial track record on the specific subject. When skeletal structures or tissues fail due to trauma or disease, additional support is required to take over the mechanical function of the structures involved. Traditionally, skeletal implants are made of metal, but they essentially have a temporary function: once healing is achieved, their removal is desired both from both the clinical and biomechanical point of view. This consideration motivated the development of degradable implants, which have the evident advantage over metal devices that they degrade over time and thus eliminate the necessity of retrieval operations. In addition, the healing process may be stimulated by the successive loss of their mechanical properties, corresponding with increased loading on the healing tissues.