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Review

History of Metallic Orthopedic Materials

1
Biomaterials Engineering Laboratory, Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Sakyo-ku, Matsugasaki, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan
2
Department Polytechnic of Engineering and Architecture, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
3
Biomedical Research Center, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Sakyo-ku, Matsugasaki, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Metals 2025, 15(4), 378; https://doi.org/10.3390/met15040378
Submission received: 26 February 2025 / Revised: 24 March 2025 / Accepted: 27 March 2025 / Published: 28 March 2025

Abstract

The history of metallic orthopedic materials spans a few centuries, from the use of carbon steel to the widespread adoption of titanium and its alloys. This paper explores the evolution of these materials, emphasizing their mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and the roles that they have played in improving orthopedic care. Key developments include the discovery of titanium’s osseointegration capability, the advent of porous coatings for osseointegration, surface modifications, and the rise of additive manufacturing for patient-specific implants. Beyond titanium, emerging materials such as biodegradable alloys, tantalum, zirconium, and amorphous metals are creating a completely new field of application for orthopedic metals. These innovations address longstanding challenges, including stress shielding, corrosion, and implant longevity, while leading the way for bioresorbable and 3D-printed patient-specific solutions. This paper concludes by examining future trends and their potential for industrial application. By understanding the historical developments in metallic orthopedic materials, this review highlights how past advancements have laid the foundation for both current and future innovations, guiding research towards solutions that better mimic the properties of biological tissues, offer higher reliability in vivo, and enable patient-specific treatments.
Keywords: metallic orthopedic materials; osseointegration; additive manufacturing; medical history; biocompatibility metallic orthopedic materials; osseointegration; additive manufacturing; medical history; biocompatibility
Graphical Abstract

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MDPI and ACS Style

Marin, E.; Lanzutti, A. History of Metallic Orthopedic Materials. Metals 2025, 15, 378. https://doi.org/10.3390/met15040378

AMA Style

Marin E, Lanzutti A. History of Metallic Orthopedic Materials. Metals. 2025; 15(4):378. https://doi.org/10.3390/met15040378

Chicago/Turabian Style

Marin, Elia, and Alex Lanzutti. 2025. "History of Metallic Orthopedic Materials" Metals 15, no. 4: 378. https://doi.org/10.3390/met15040378

APA Style

Marin, E., & Lanzutti, A. (2025). History of Metallic Orthopedic Materials. Metals, 15(4), 378. https://doi.org/10.3390/met15040378

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