Bioceramics : 9789401050326 : 9401050325 : 17 Sep 2012 : As recently as 20 years ago, ceramics were widely ignored as potential biomaterials. Interest in bioceramics has increased dramatically over the past decade to the point where it is anticipated they will be the materials of choice for many orthopedic, otologic, maxillofacial and dental applications during the decade of the '90s. Alumina ceramics are being used extensively as articulating comJ1onents in total joint prostheses because of Ithe materials low coefficient of friction and excellent wear resistances. Alumina ceramics are also being used in dental and maxillofacial applica­ tions because of the materials excellent biocompatibility. Because of its ability to chemically bond to bone, hydroxyapatite is rapidly becoming the material of choice for many dental and maxillofacial applications. For the past decade, one of the most widely researched topics in the field of orthopedics has been the clinical evaluation of joint prosth