Porous Metals as a Hard Tissue Substitute

Abstract

The possible use of porous metals in the construction of orthopedic and orthodontic prostheses has attracted the attention of biomaterials investigators. The devices must not only satisfy essential criteria such as biocompatibility and structural strength, but must also encourage ingrowth of cellular elements into the porous matrix producing a permanent bone/metal union. Some problems and solutions are discussed using a newly developed Void Metal Composite material as the major example.