Orthopedic Applications of Silver and Silver Nanoparticles

Silver (Ag) has been known for its antimicrobial properties for centuries but has received renewed interest in recent years primarily due to the rise of antibiotic-resistance and the development of Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs). In orthopedics, multiple applications containing Ag are being developed including Ag dressings, Ag-coated prosthetic implants, and Ag-based bone cements. In this chapter, we review the antimicrobial mechanisms as well as the delivery and metabolic pathways of Ag and the primary uses of Ag and AgNPs in orthopedic applications, focusing on their antimicrobial activity, toxicity, and clinical uses.