Sculpting the Future of Bone: The Evolution of Absorbable Materials in Orthopedics
Abstract
ABSTRACT The repair of bone defects remains a major clinical challenge, as autologous grafts are constrained by donor limitations and bioinert implants often necessitate secondary surgeries. Absorbable materials, including polymers, ceramics, and metals, are rapidly transforming orthopedic care by offering temporary support and synchronized degradation to match tissue regeneration. This review highlights cutting‐edge advances in composite scaffolds that enhance mechanical integrity, degradation kinetics, and osteoinductivity. We further explore innovative systems integrating stimuli‐responsive smart materials (e.g., photothermal, piezoelectric), 4D printing smart materials, regenerative therapies, and bone organoids. Emerging clinical data are discussed in the context of diseases such as osteonecrosis, osteomyelitis, and osteoporosis. Looking forward, we outline transformative directions, including AI‐driven scaffold design, gradient architectures, and immunomodulatory strategies to resolve the spatiotemporal mismatch between degradation and regeneration. This review offers a forward‐looking framework for next‐generation multifunctional, bioresponsive orthopedic implants.
Article Details
Authors (14)
Zhao Wang
State Key Laboratory of Bioinspired Interfacial Materials Science, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Materials, Suzhou Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Design and Precision Synthesis, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science
Zehui Lv
Department of Orthopedic Surgery State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases Peking Union Medical College Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College Beijing China
Xuejie Cai
Department of Orthopedic Surgery State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases Peking Union Medical College Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College Beijing China
Yingjie Wang
Bo Peng
Haojing Xu
State Key Laboratory of Clean and Efficient Turbomachinery Power Equipment Department of Mechanical Engineering Tsinghua University Beijing China
Hualuo Pang
State Key Laboratory of Clean and Efficient Turbomachinery Power Equipment Department of Mechanical Engineering Tsinghua University Beijing China
Xingdong Yang
Jiawei Xu
Wöhler Research Institute for Sustainable Chemistry
Yixin Bian
Bin Feng
Department of Chemistry
Peng Wen
State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science
Yufeng Zheng
Xisheng Weng