Fatigue characteristics of metallic biomaterials

Abstract It is essential to determine the fatigue characteristics of metallic biomaterials for long-term safe usage of implants in living body such as hip joints, bone plates, and dental implants. On the basis of reported data, the fatigue strength, fretting fatigue strength, and fatigue crack propagation rate of metallic biomaterials – mainly titanium alloys, Co alloys, and stainless steels – in air, a living body and a simulated body environment are described extensively with respect to related microstructures. Further, the fatigue strength of titanium alloys coated with bioactive ceramic and that of biometallic wire are examined.