Trabecular Metal Implants

Trabecular Metal is a bio-material composed of tantalum(Ta) on a graphic scaffold. Tantalum is one of the most bio compatible material known to man. This bio-material is developed and patented by Implex Corporation which is now taken over by Zimmer. Inc.[ZMH].Cellular structure of Trabecular metal resembles very close to Trabecular bone, a type of bone found in the joints, that is why this material got its name as "Trabecular".

Understanding the behavior of material is very important in developing and engineering its products. Trabecular materials are physically and mechanically more similar to human bones than any other bio implants. These implants has more porosity and flexibility that allows the infiltration of bone growth into its pores. Because of it, the bond between Trabecular metal implant and bone is as good as the bond between human bone and ligaments. More over the elastic modulus of this implant is lower (around 3 Gpa)  than most metal implants (Titanium alloy - around 110 Gpa, Carbon fiber - 18) that provides physiological load transfer to bones. The company claims, Trabecular implants have the following advantages over other counterparts;

  • High strength to weight ratio.
  • High porosity ( more than 70% of material).
  • Low coefficient of friction.
  • Low antigenicity which provides less immune resistance.
  • Low elastic modulus.
  • Physical and mechanical properties similar to bone.
  • Provides stronger bond between bone and implant.
Due to its advantages over other bio implants, Trabecular metal implants are most preferred as far as bone implants are concerned. Research of the material is still going on with University of Notre Dame, Zimmer. Inc., and Implex Corp. For more information, please refer to their sites.

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