A novel composite for bone replacement

In some cases of bone damage it becomes necessary to replace, recontour, and assist in the healing of the bone. Many materials have been proposed as useful replacements but none have been proven to be ideal. Resorbable polymers have been investigated but lack the desired strength as they degrade. Therefore, bone mineral, or hydroxyapatite, has been combined with polymers to provide additional strength and add osteoconductive properties. This research involves a mineral-filled polymer composite composed of chitosan and hydroxyapatite investigated as a resorbable bone replacement material. In vitro mechanical testing was conducted to evaluate its suitability for application. Three-point bending and double shear tests were performed. The suitability of this composite can not be conclusively determined without further investigation.