The Optimum Pore Size for the Fixation of Porous-Surfaced Metal Implants by the Ingrowth of Bone

For a study on the effects of pore size variation on the rate of bone growth into porous-surfaced metallic implants and on the strength of fixation resulting from this ingrowth, 4 distinct pore size ranges were prepared on cobalt-base alloy implants with cobalt-base alloy powder particles of different dimensions. The porous implants were placed into canine femurs for periods of 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Mechanical tests were performed to measure the shear strength of fixation of the implants to cortical bone. For implants with powder-made porous surfaces, a pore size range of approximately 50 to 400 microns provided the optimum or maximum fixation strength (17 MPa) in the shortest time period (8 weeks).