Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
1
Challenges of bone repair
J. A. PlAnell and M. n AvA r r o,
Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBeC), Spain
Abstract
: Musculoskeletal problems, including bone and joint pathologies
are among the main causes of chronic pain, physical disability, and work
absenteeism in both developed and developing countries, and they affect
millions of people worldwide. This is the reason why biomaterials play a
key role in bone repair and regeneration. In this chapter, the societal impact
of musculoskeletal diseases, as well as other bone problems is discussed in
terms of their costs and the degree of physical disability that they generate.
In addition, some of the most relevant clinical challenges in bone repair are
presented.
Key words
: musculoskeletal diseases, societal impact, economical impact,
quality of life, bone diseases, clinical challenges in bone repair.
1.1 Introduction
Musculoskeletal problems, including bone and joint pathologies that lead
to tissue degeneration and inflammation, are among the main causes of
chronic pain, physical disability and work absenteeism in both developed
and developing countries and they affect millions of people worldwide,
especially those aged over 50 years. Present forecasts state that the percentage
of target population affected by these diseases will double by 2020. Thus, it
is expected that the demand and development of new caring techniques and
treatments for these problems will also largely increase in these next few
years. Musculoskeletal ailments frequently require surgery, including bone
substitution and total joint replacement. Furthermore, the treatment of most
bone traumatisms and malfunctions require the use of different devices. This
is the reason why biomaterials play a key role in bone repair and regeneration.
In this chapter, the societal impact of musculoskeletal diseases as well as
other bone problems are discussed in terms of their costs and the degree of
physical disability that they generate. In addition, some of the most relevant
clinical challenges in bone repair are presented.
1.2 Social and economical impact of
musculoskeletal disease
Bone and joint degenerative and inflammatory problems affect millions of
people across the world. In fact, musculoskeletal conditions, namely joint
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