This handbook addresses the needs of those who are involved in inventing, developing, and testing implants and are concerned about the interactions between biomaterial and body tissue. The authors explore the physical, chemical, mechanical and regulatory considerations of synthetic materials used in surgical and implant procedures, and how these factors impact the latest developments and new approaches. This updated edition provides the biomaterials professional with necessary information on a range of issues, including bulk characterization, surface evaluations, toxicological evaluations, in vitro methods for safety evaluation, methods for evaluating materials in special applications, surgical considerations, systems implantology, soft and hard tissue history, regulatory aspects, and clinical trials.