Nanocomposites for bone repair and osteointegration with soft tissues

This chapter introduces the nanocomposite materials for orthopedic applications and bone-tissue regeneration. Bone composition, physiology and healing mechanism are introduced as necessary basics to understand this complicated organ. Current strategies and future trends of bone-tissue repair and regeneration are discussed to demonstrate the importance and challenges of bone-tissue engineering and the related materials issues. The materials discussion includes polymers, ceramics, glass, metals and the nanocomposites. The osteointegration of nanocomposites is outlined as a separate section for its importance in bone soft-tissue regeneration.