Plastics have been established as medical materials for a long time, not only in the production of dentures. Lenses made from acrylic glass revolutionised ophthalmology and artifcial corneas are now made from plastic. The use of plastic cannulae, infusion and blood bags or disposable syringes has minimised the risk of infection. Artifcial heart valves, artifcial joints and blood vessels, as well as many other implants, are also made from plastics.
The ultimate challenge is to manufacture a plastic heart that is virtually identical to the real organ in size, form and function. Outstanding achievements have already been presented in the feld of orthopaedics. Plastics support the abdominal wall, correct deformities such as calcaneal spur and improve or even partially replace the function of mobile body parts such as hip or knee joints. Plastic prosthetics and orthoses take over or replace the body parts’ main functions. Experts are currently discussing the potential advantages of athletes with carbon fbre prosthetics over those without disabilities. K 2019 will also present top polymer achievements.
