Studies of Micro- and Nano-Technology in Orthopaedic Engineering

Definitions for micro and nano-technology are introduced and discussed. Applications within micro-electronics are first described. Attention is then drawn to the utilisation of micro- technology in orthopaedic engineering, where micro- and nano-sized effects occur in surgery. The role of unconventional micro and precision machining and deposition methods is considered, especially in relation to the use of titanium alloy for implants. Micromotions that occur in implants following surgery are discussed. The paper concludes with a discussion on the use of the rapid prototyping technology, micro stereolithography, for repair of diseased bone scaffolds.