Title: Retrieval analysis of trabecular metal patella in a post-patellectomised knee

Authors: D. Gordon Allan, Manish Paliwal, Peter Filip

Addresses: Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL 62794, USA. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, The College of New Jersey, Ewing, NJ 08618, USA. ' Center for Advanced Friction Studies, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA

Abstract: Clinical performance and microscopic analysis of a porous tantalum patella, retrieved from a 34-year-old male eight months after implantation is reported. The metallic tantalum represented 20 vol.% of the analysed patellar component. Tissue ingrowth was only in the large pores (up to 92%). Total tissue ingrowth was to the extent of 80%. The entire volume (including tantalum, small and large pores) had 64% tissue ingrowth. From the perspective of tissue ingrowth, the study supports the porous tantalum for clinical applications. This is the first report that evaluates the soft tissue ingrowth in a human retrieved trabecular metal patella.

Keywords: porous tantalum patella; trabecular metal patella; arthroplasty; knee implants; microscopy; retrieval analysis; soft tissue ingrowth; patellar replacement; patellectomy; knee replacement.

DOI: 10.1504/IJFIPM.2008.021392

International Journal of Functional Informatics and Personalised Medicine, 2008 Vol.1 No.3, pp.285 - 294

Published online: 22 Nov 2008 *

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