Description
Ceramics are becoming increasingly useful to the medical world. Surgeons are using bioceramic materials for repair and replacement of human hips, knees, shoulders, elbows, fingers and wrists. Ceramics also are being used to replace diseased heart valves. Dentists are using ceramics for tooth replacement implants and braces. A new ceramic containing fluorapatite and small particles of glass is being used to replace teeth. This ceramic material has the aesthetic look of a natural tooth and causes less wear to opposing teeth than other available materials. Research is even being done on a "ceramic" based gum which is thought to retard the growth of plaque. When used in the human body as implants or even as coatings to metal replacements, ceramic materials can stimulate bone growth, promote tissue formation and provide protection from the immune system. Glass microspheres smaller than a human hair are being used to deliver large, localized amounts of radiation to diseased organs in the body. Ceramics are one of the few materials that are durable and stable enough to withstand the corrosive effect of bodily fluids.

Ceramics are also being used by surgeons in the form of ceramic coated scissors. The ceramic coating makes the surface hardness four to five times greater than that of stainless steel. The ceramic surface also provides higher sliding capacity to reduce abrasion, and optimizes resistance to rust and corrosion.

The following individuals may be contacted regarding ceramic applications in medicine.

Edwin C. Shors
Vice President of Research and New Technology
Interpore Cross International
181 Technology Drive
Irvine, CA 92618
949/453-3200 (phone) • 949/453-3225 (fax) • eshors@interpore.com (e-mail)
Background: Shors is co-founder of Interpore Cross and has concentrated his efforts in the research of bone biologic products and evaluation of appropriate new technologies. Interpore Cross designs, manufactures and markets synthetic bone and tissue products used in orthopedic, oral/maxillofacial and ophthalmic applications. Spinal products developed by Interpore Cross are used to treat degenerative conditions and deformities of the spine.

Alexis Clare
NYS College of Ceramics at Alfred University
2 Pine St.
Alfred, NY 14802
607/871-2368 (phone) • 607/871-2392 • clare@alfred.edu (e-mail)
Background: Clare specializes in the field of glass science. She has studied specifically, biological interactions and applications of glass such as porous glasses as vehicles for gene therapy. In addition, Clare's areas of interest also include optical properties of glass as well as structure and properties of glass.

Delbert E. Day
Curator's Professor Emeritus of Ceramic Engineering
University of Missouri-Rolla Graduate Center for Materials Research
Rolla, MO 65409-1170
573/341-4354 (phone) • 573/341-2071 (fax) • day@umr.edu (e-mail)
Background: Day is co-developer of a promising new treatment for liver cancer which uses radioactive glass microspheres to deliver extremely large doses of localized beta radiation to inoperable tumors in the liver. Patients are currently being treated at seven sites in the U.S. with promising results. He is the 1995-1996 ACerS President.

Frank Gorman
General Manager
Astro-Met, Inc. (Advanced Ceramics Division)
9974 Springfield Pike
Cincinnati, OH 45215
513/772-1242 x105 (phone) • 513/772-9080 (fax) • fgorman@astromet.com (e-mail)
Background: Gorman's division works with the technology that created the bioceramic hip joint used in hip replacement surgery. In addition, Astro-Met is involved with advanced ceramic materials for use in wear and corrosion applications.