Analysis of Tantalum Implants used for Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head: A Review of Five Retrieved Specimens

Aim The effective results shown in the porous systems of tantalum employed for the use of osseointegrates has been demonstrated by means of animal experimentation. However, there is a total lack of any research studies on the osseointegration of tantalum implants from retrieval of the same after a period of time whereby the material had been implanted within the human body. Materials and Methods For this study, five rod implants used for the treatment of avascular necrosis of the femoral head were retrieved following collapse of the femoral head and conversion to total hip arthroplasty. The time of implantation ranged between six weeks and twenty months. Results Observation during this study has confirmed the effectiveness of osseointegration within this period of time. New bone was observed around and within the porous system of the on rod devices at retrieval date. The bone ingrowth, however, proved to be slower and less intense than that resulting within animal species during the first few months after implantation. Conclusions The results obtained in the quantitative assessment of this process proved to be similar to those results achieved by other authors in previous experimental work studies.