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This volume is a survey of currently available polymeric materials that may be useful to the surgeon. The book is organized around the materials rather than by device, use, or surgical discipline. There are excellent sketches of basic plastics' technology, describing their chemical structure, physical properties, biocompatibility, and examples of their commercial uses.
Descriptions of the surgeon's use of these materials are more detailed within the author's orthopedic discipline than in some other specialties. The discussion of surgical use lacks perspective, as many proved applications are glossed over casually. Undue space is afforded many isolated reports of single, questionable techniques. The authors are less than enthusiastic in criticizing poorly conceived ideas, and have unnecessarily retained discussions on now-defunct methodology.
Being English and Australian, the authors were not required to work within the rigid requirements of the Federal Drug Administration, and did not have to consider the specter of legal liability.