A porous tantalum trabecular metal: basic science.

Conventional materials used for orthopedic reconstruction implants limit the design of new and improved implants. Solid metal is rigid. Porous fixation surfaces have low volumetric porosity available for biologic ingrowth and low frictional characteristics for initial implant stability and have to be bonded to solid-metal substrates. New porous structural biomaterials have been developed to help advance the current generation of prostheses and address unresolved clinical applications. Tantalum trabecular metal offers several advantages over other current conventional materials used for implants by its uniformity and structural continuity, strength, low stiffness, high porosity, and high coefficient of friction.