Metal Foam - Bone Cement Composites: Mechanical and Biological Properties and Perspectives for Bone Implant Design

• Published in: Advanced engineering materials 2011-11, Vol.13 (11), p.1019-1023
• Main Authors: Glorius, Stefan, Nies, Berthold, Farack, Jana, Quadbeck, Peter, Hauser, Ralf, Standke, Gisela, Rößler, Sophie, Scharnweber, Dieter, Stephani, Günter
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bone cements; Bones; Metal foams; Minerals; Stability; Stimulation; Stress shielding; Surgical implants
• ISSN: 1438-1656; 1527-2648; 1527-2648
• DOI: 10.1002/adem.201100026

Several approaches for the development of highly porous metal structures with intended medical application have been published in recent years. Considering both the demands of sufficient mechanical strength for loaded bone implants as well as prevention of the stress shielding phenomena, open‐cell metal foams are reinforced with strong but resorbable mineral bone cement. Titanium‐ and iron‐based composites with highly prolonged stress resilence and favorable cytoxicity are achieved. Resorption of mineral phase gradually decreases the implant stability while concurrently raising the bone regeneration through mechanical stimulation. Furthermore, iron‐based composites are intended to be resorbed and corrode consecutively. Thus, a temporary bone implant can be obtained. Metal foam–bone cement composites are developed with superior mechanical properties. These are considered candidates as implant materials for load‐bearing bone defects. By using resorbable mineral bone cement in combination with degradable metals (here iron), we propose a novel, biodegradable material with gradual reduction of its mechanical strength. Furthermore, iron corrosion could be controlled by a new type of bioactive coating.