Biomaterials in orthopaedics

In general knowledge, orthopaedic surgery treats the disease and injuries of musculoskeletal system including bone fractures, anomalies, degenerative disease, tumor, and infection. Significant difference in orthopaedic cases occurs between developed and developing countries. In the latter, the majority of cases are caused by injury and infection. Most surgical treatment needs the use of implants for both traumatic and reconstructive procedures. Orthopedic implants can be selected from metals, polymers and ceramics or their combination. In Indonesia, certain type of orthopaedic implants have been produced locally but still cannot fulfill the high demand. The current technology used by local manufacturers has some limitations in production capacity and product variety mainly for complex implants like arthroplasty. Collaboration in R&D activities on orthopaedic implants is on-going between local manufacturers with universities and government institutions under the assistance of orthopaedic surgeons. This collaboration receives a full support from the Indonesian Government as it aligns with the national programme on supporting local products and the new general health insurance programme which covers every citizen of Indonesia.