The present review paper examines the use of different types of polymeric matrix composites in hard tissue replacement applications.
The review presents the actual state of the art in the fields of bioinert composites for permanent applications, biodegradable
matrix composites for temporary applications and the emerging area of injectable composites.In all cases some recent developments
are also discussed.The paper starts with an introduction to locate the reader. Bone–analogue composites are then extensively
discussed.Several other systems based on an inert polymeric matrix are described, focusing on their proposed applications.A great
emphasis is afterwards given to biodegradable matrix systems.The most widely used synthetic bioresorbable systems are analysed
and compared with an example of natural origin degradable composites–starch based composites.Finally, composite systems that
are non-processable by melt based routes and in many cases injectable are discussed in detail, including several recent developments
on this emerging area of research.