UHMWPE Biomaterials Handbook, Third Edition, describes the science, development, properties, and application of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) used in artificial joints. UHMWPE is now the material of choice for joint replacements, and is increasingly being used in fibers for sutures. This book is a one-stop reference for information on this advanced material, covering both introductory topics and the most advanced developments. The third edition adds six new chapters on a range of topics, including the latest in anti-oxidant technologies for stabilizing HXLPE and up-to-date systematic reviews of the clinical literature for HXLPE in hips and knees. The book chronicles the rise and fall of all-metal hip implants, as well as the increased use of ceramic biomaterials and UHMWPE for this application. This book also brings orthopedic researchers and practitioners up to date on the stabilization of UHMWPE with antioxidants, as well as the choices of antioxidant available for practitioners. The book also thoroughly assesses the clinical performance of HXLPE, as well as alternative bearings in knee replacement and UHMWPE articulations with polyether ether ketone (PEEK). Written and edited by the top experts in the field of UHMWPE, this is the only state-of-the-art reference for professionals, researchers, and clinicians working with this material.

Over the past decade, there has been rapid growth in bioengineering applications in the field of spine implants. This book explains the technical foundation for understanding and expanding the field of spine implants, reviews the major established technologies related to spine implants, and provides reference material for developing and commercializing new spine implants. The editors, who have a track record of collaboration and editing technical books, provide a unified approach to this topic in the most comprehensive and useful book to date.
-Related website provides the latest information on spine technology including articles and research papers on the latest technology and development.
-Major technologies reviewed include devices used for fusion (screws, plates, rods, and cages), disc repair and augmentation, total disc replacement, and vertebral body repair and augmentation.
-Technology landscape, review of published/public domain data currently available, and safety and efficacy of technology discussed in detail.

PEEK biomaterials are currently used in hundreds of thousands of spinal fusion patients around the world every year. Durability, biocompatibility, and excellent resistance to aggressive sterilization procedures make PEEK a polymer of choice, replacing metal in orthopedic implants, from spinal implants and knee replacements to finger joints and dental implants. The new edition of this authoritative work sees the book expand from 17 chapters to 26 chapters to match the expansion in applications in PEEK-from spinal cages to spinal rods and disc replacements; hip and knee joint replacement; dental; trauma; and sports medicine. New PEEK formulations have been developed incorporating hydroxyapatite, additives to combat infection, and surface grafted polymers to improve lubrication. The book also covers additive manufacturing, which has made significant inroads with PEEK in the past 5 years as well by introducing the prospect of patient-specific implants. Like the 1st edition, the updated Handbook brings together experts in many different facets related to PEEK clinical performance as well as in the areas of materials science, tribology, and biology to provide a complete reference for specialists in the field of plastics, biomaterials, medical device design, and surgical applications. Useful for materials scientists and biomedical engineers, both in industry and academia, the book is a one-stop shop for information on PEEK as a biomaterial-including in-depth coverage of materials properties-while also providing cutting-edge information on applications and combinations of the material.

PEEK biomaterials are currently used in thousands of spinal fusion patients around the world every year. Durability, biocompatibility and excellent resistance to aggressive sterilization procedures make PEEK a polymer of choice, replacing metal in orthopedic implants, from spinal implants and hip replacements to finger joints and dental implants.

This Handbook brings together experts in many different facets related to PEEK clinical performance as well as in the areas of materials science, tribology, and biology to provide a complete reference for specialists in the field of plastics, biomaterials, medical device design and surgical applications.

Steven Kurtz, author of the well respected "UHMWPE Biomaterials Handbook" and Director of the Implant Research Center at Drexel University, has developed a one-stop reference covering the processing and blending of PEEK, its properties and biotribology, and the expanding range of medical implants using PEEK: spinal implants, hip and knee replacement, etc.

Covering materials science, tribology and applications, Kurtz provides a complete reference for specialists in the field of plastics, biomaterials, biomedical engineering and medical device design and surgical applications.