Nanotechnology in orthopedics: a clinically oriented review

• Main Authors: Walter Ryan Smith, Parke William Hudson, Brent Andrew Ponce, Sakthivel Rajan Rajaram Manoharan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2018-03-01
• Series: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders
• Online Access: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12891-018-1990-1

Abstract The utility of nanotechnology in medicine, specifically within the field of orthopedics, is a topic of extensive research. Our review provides a unique comprehensive overview of the current and potential future uses of nanotechnology with respect to orthopedic sub-specialties. Nanotechnology offers an immense assortment of novel applications, most notably the use of nanomaterials as scaffolds to induce a more favorable interaction between orthopedic implants and native bone. Nanotechnology has the capability to revolutionize the diagnostics and treatment of orthopedic surgery, however the long-term health effects of nanomaterials are poorly understood and extensive research is needed regarding clinical safety.