Extract
Biologic fixation of total hip replacement implants with porous surfaces by
means of bone ingrowth became a clinical reality largely through the many
experimental studies that were carried out in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s.
Polymethylmethacrylate bone cement had been the material of choice for implant
fixation until then, when it was realized that bone can grow into the porous
surfaces of implants if appropriate pore geometries are provided. Porous
metals, polymers, and ceramics had been investigated as candidate implants,
and porous-coated metal implants were chosen on the basis of the advances in
sintering technologies, biocompatibility, and strength considerations
(Fig. 1). Consistently
obtaining bone growth into functioning total joint replacement components
under the conditions of physiologic loading, however, remained a problem.
Canine studies were critically important in defining the conditions necessary
for consistent bone growth into these devices and thus in the development of
porous-surface prostheses for biologic fixation. Our experience with such
studies is presented here.