Macroporous synthetic hydroxyapatite bioceramics for bone substitute applications

Abstract

An improved strategy is described for the manufacture of macroporous hydroxyapatite bioceramics for bone substitute applications. This is based on a modified fugitive phase technique, which allows production of relatively open, high-strength devices. Properties of ceramics manufactured by this route are compared with those fashioned by two conventional methods. Aspects of design are discussed in terms of requirements for intrinsic osteoinductivity in vivo.