| Abstract Scope |
Porous Ti6Al4V structures have been used in the orthopedic industry for facilitating bone ingrowth and achieving biological fixation of the implant. In this study, porous Ti6Al4V structures simulating natural bone architecture were made using additive manufacturing technology. Micro-CT data generated by scanning cadaver bone was used to create porous metal cylinders (10 mm dia., 20 mm length), containing 65% porosity and average pore-size of 350 microns. The samples were implanted bilaterally in six sheep in distal femur and proximal tibia. After 12 weeks, the implants were harvested and histology was performed using Sanderson’s bone stain. The bone tissue appeared healthy with no sign of inflammation, and normal bone ingrowth was observed within the implants. Furthermore, the implants showed good bone apposition with no evidence of fibrous tissue encapsulation. These Ti6Al4V metal structures with porous architecture that simulates natural bone have high potential for use in orthopedic devices. |