Abstract
Porous tantalum has become an attractive biomaterial in several orthopedic applications due to excellent biocompatibility and biomaterial properties. This transition metal has high volumetric porosity (75%–80%), high coefficient of friction, and low modulus of elasticity (3MPa) comparable to cancellous bone or subchondral bone. The tantalum has similar appearance to cancellous bone and is safe to use in vivo as evidenced by the use in orthopedic surgery. Currently tantalum has been used in several clinical orthopedic applications including hip and knee arthoplasty, spine fusion, osteonecrosis, cranioplasty, foot and ankle surgery, and tumor reconstructive surgery. Porous tantalum has the ability to form a self-passivating surface oxide layer which leads to the formation of a bone-like apatite coating in vivo and affords excellent bone and fibrous in-growth properties allowing for rapid and substantial bone and soft tissue attachment. The chapter discusses the biomaterial properties and orthopedic applications of porous tantalum.
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