Advances in spinal fusion: molecular science, biomechanics, and clinical management

Showcasing emerging research and technology in the field, Lewandrowski (fellow, spinal surgery, Cleveland Clinic) presents descriptions of a new generation of materials and devices capable of specific biological interactions to enhance spinal fusion, from biodegradable implants and advances in drug delivery to recombinant DNA techniques, bioreactors, stem cell isolation, and 2D and 3D scaffolds for cells. The book deals with issues in the selection of proper biomaterials that address biocompatibility and biostability, looking at specific biomaterials and their physiochemical and mechanical characterizations. Issues related to standards in analytical methodology and quality control are also discussed. Contributors come from fields ranging from the basic sciences, such as polymer chemistry, to more applied disciplines, such as chemical engineering, orthopedics, and pharmaceutics. B&w drawings and medical images are included.