Modern metal processing for improved load-bearing surgical implants.

A review of modern methods for preparing metallic alloys that could be useful for the fabrication of load-bearing metallic biomaterials is presented. The use of rapid solidification processing and surface modification of metals by ion implantation or surface coatings and variations thereof is used currently for the formation of novel metallic alloys in other high-tech fields, notably the optoelectronics industry. Further studies to explore potential benefits for surgical implant fabrication through the application of these technologies is recommended.