Tribology of medical devices

•The tribological issues of medical devices are reviewed and discussed.•Current focuses and future developments are highlighted.•The underlying tribological mechanisms are discussed.

Importance of tribology in a number of medical devices and surgical instruments is reviewed, including artificial joints, artificial teeth, dental implants and orthodontic appliances, cardiovascular devices, contact lenses, artificial limbs and surgical instruments. The current focus and future developments of these medical devices are highlighted from a tribological point of view, together with the underlying mechanisms.