The book sets the scene with introductory chapters on joint biomechanics and tribology, materials for joint replacement and their interactions with the body, and regulatory issues. Part II reviews the use of metals and ceramics as joint replacement materials, joint design, bone cements and cementless fixation techniques, failure mechanisms and ways of predicting the lifetime of replacement joints. The third part of the book summarises research on how prosthetic joints interact with the body, including biological causes of joint failure, sterilisation techniques and the use of drug delivery systems to enhance joint replacement. The final group of chapters reviews key issues in replacing particular joints including the hip, knee, ankle, shoulder and elbow as well as developments in intervertebral disc and tempero-mandibular joint replacement technology.