387

MARCH 2016 | The Surgical Technologist | 111 Biomechanics and Biomaterials in Orthopedic Surgery L E A R N I N G O B J E C T I V E S s Review the chemical, cellular and structural composition of bone. s Learn about the biomechanics of bone and orthopedic implants. s Understand the fundamentals of commonly used biomaterials. s Study the implant-to-bone osteointegration process. s Review the elements needed to enhance bone healing. B O N E C O M P O S I T I O N Bone is composed of chemical, cellular and structural materials. A. Chemical composition. 1. Organic material. Organic material in bone comprises approxi- mately 30% of its dry weight. 1 The principal organic component of bone is collagen, which is produced by the bone-forming cells, osteoblasts. Collagen’s filamentous structure gives this molecule a flexible characteristic. However, when collagen is mineralized in the bone matrix, it provides strength, stiffness, and thermal stability. The relative orientation of these collagen fibers within the bone matrix is an important determinant of the elastic anisotropic quality of bone. 2 Bone tissue also contains citrate, which works as a bridge between packed mineral platelet layers. 3 Bone mineral is linked to the organic matrix through proteoglycans rich in glycosami- Pamela Benav idez , cst The main objective in any orthopedic procedure is to remediate prob- lems in the skeletal system due to genetic malformation, injury or aging. A key component of a successful patient outcome is the intellectual and technical proficiency of the surgical team. The surgical technologist, therefore, should become competent in the biological and mechanical aspects of bone and the skeletal system, the fundamentals of orthopedic biomaterials and their connection to postoperative implant healing.