Surface modification – A step forward to overcome the current challenges in orthopedic industry and to obtain an improved osseointegration and antimicrobial properties

Abstract The bone tissue is the most dynamic structure in the human body, being capable of self-regeneration after an injury, an accident or even when is affected by a disease. However, its potential to fully regenerate is constrained by some limitations and the need of a medical device becomes vital. Many biomaterials have been used to develop such products and now they are successfully used by physicians. Thus, most of them present some shortcomings which might eventually lead to device malfunction or even failure. In the orthopedic field, implants for long term use should be able to provide a successful restauration of the affected joint. Even if Titanium (Ti), together with stainless steel or Cobalt Chrome-based alloys are materials of a choice in implants industry, they are still subjected to some limitations when inserted in the host such as: wear debris, corrosion, bacterial attachment, improper interactions with the biological environment etc., most of them leading to second surgical interventions and ultimately to implant failure. In order to provide a proper fixation and to avoid implant collapse, surface modification is one of the most promising approaches in this direction.