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Applications of porous tantalum in total hip arthroplasty.

Applications of porous tantalum in total hip arthroplasty.

The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (2006-11-02)

Brett Levine, Craig J Della Valle, Joshua J Jacobs

ABSTRACT

Porous tantalum is an alternative metal for total joint arthroplasty components that offers several unique properties. Its high volumetric porosity (70% to 80%), low modulus of elasticity (3 MPa), and high frictional characteristics make it conducive to biologic fixation. Tantalum has excellent biocompatibility and is safe to use in vivo. The low modulus of elasticity allows for more physiologic load transfer and relative preservation of bone stock. Because of its bioactive nature and ingrowth properties, tantalum is used in primary as well as revision total hip arthroplasty components, with good to excellent early clinical results. In revision arthroplasty, standard and custom augments may serve as a structural bone graft substitute. Formation of a bone-like apatite coating in vivo affords strong fibrous ingrowth properties and allows for substantial soft-tissue attachment, indicating potential for use in cases requiring reattachment of muscles and tendons to a prosthesis. Development of modular components and femoral stems also is being evaluated. The initial clinical data and basic science studies support further investigation of porous tantalum as an alternative to traditional implant materials.

MATERIALS

Product Number

Brand

Product Description

Sigma-Aldrich

Tantalum, foil, thickness 0.05 mm, ≥99.9% trace metals basis

Sigma-Aldrich

Tantalum, powder, −325 mesh, 99.9% trace metals basis

Sigma-Aldrich

Tantalum, powder, 60-100 mesh, 99.9%

Tantalum, foil, 10mm disks, thickness 0.03mm, as rolled, 99.9%

Tantalum, foil, 0.2m coil, thickness 0.1mm, coil width .62mm, as rolled, 99.9%

Tantalum, foil, 50x50mm, thickness 0.5mm, annealed, 99.9%

Tantalum, foil, 10m coil, thickness 0.03mm, coil width 0.75mm, annealed, 99.9%

Tantalum, foil, light tested, 50x50mm, thickness 0.01mm, 99.9%

Tantalum, foil, 10mm disks, thickness 0.0075mm, 99.9%

Tantalum, foil, 10mm disks, thickness 0.0125mm, 99.9%

Tantalum, foil, 10mm disks, thickness 0.015mm, 99.9%

Tantalum, rod, 50mm, diameter 12.7mm, annealed, 99.9%

Tantalum, foil, 4mm disks, thickness 0.75mm, annealed, 99.9%

Tantalum, foil, 6mm disks, thickness 0.009mm, 99.9%

Tantalum, foil, not light tested, 25x25mm, thickness 0.001mm, 99.9%

Tantalum, foil, 8mm disks, thickness 0.25mm, annealed, 99.9%

Tantalum, foil, not light tested, 50x50mm, thickness 0.0015mm, 99.9%

Tantalum, tube, 100mm, outside diameter 0.31mm, inside diameter 0.19mm, wall thickness 0.06mm, as drawn, 99.9%

Tantalum, foil, 6mm disks, thickness 0.0125mm, 99.9%

Tantalum, foil, not light tested, 25x25mm, thickness 0.0015mm, 99.9%

Tantalum, tube, 100mm, outside diameter 3.0mm, inside diameter 2mm, wall thickness 0.5mm, as drawn, 99.9%

Tantalum, foil, not light tested, 82x100mm, thickness 0.006mm, 99.9%

Tantalum, foil, light tested, 25x25mm, thickness 0.006mm, 99.9%

Tantalum, rod, 50mm, diameter 18mm, annealed, 99.9%

Tantalum, foil, light tested, 25x25mm, thickness 0.015mm, 99.9%

Tantalum, foil, 6mm disks, thickness 0.015mm, 99.9%

Tantalum, foil, not light tested, 50x50mm, thickness 0.01mm, 99.9%

Tantalum, foil, light tested, 25x25mm, thickness 0.01mm, 99.9%

Tantalum, foil, 8mm disks, thickness 0.025mm, as rolled, 99.9%

Tantalum, foil, light tested, 100x100mm, thickness 0.034mm, as rolled, 99.9%