Effects of external stress on biodegradable orthopedic materials: A review

- The response of biodegradable orthopedic materials to the combined action of physiological stress and corrosion was reviewed.
- Physiological function stress to bone formation was reported.
- Factors influencing the effects of stress and corrosion on biodegradable metals were discussed.
- The response of biodegradable polymers to different stress mode was reported.
- Degradation prediction of biodegradable biopolymers under stress was mentioned.

Biodegradable orthopedic materials (BOMs) are used in rehabilitation and reconstruction of fractured tissues. The response of BOMs to the combined action of physiological stress and corrosion is an important issue in vivo since stress-assisted degradation and cracking are common. Although the degradation behavior and kinetics of BOMs have been investigated under static conditions, stress effects can be very serious and even fatal in the dynamic physiological environment. Since stress is unavoidable in biomedical applications of BOMs, recent work has focused on the evaluation and prediction of the properties of BOMs under stress in corrosive media. This article reviews recent progress in this important area focusing on biodegradable metals, polymers, and ceramics.

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