Osteoclasts and Biomaterials

Abstract There is a growing market of biomaterials for orthopedic applications. As soon as these materials are surgically introduced into the constantly remodeling bone of the patient, they start to interact with the local cells: osteoblasts and osteoclasts. At the first glance, the bone building osteoblasts seem to be the more important cells for osseointegration of implants. However, it is mainly the bone resorbing action of osteclasts that determines the longevity of the implant. In this paper, we give a short overview over the current understanding of osteoclast biology; we review the interaction between biomaterials, biomaterial particles and osteoclasts, and the effects of treatment with antiosteoclastic agents like bisphosphonates on biomaterial implant healing.