Trabecular metal in hip reconstructive surgery.

Biological ingrowth surfaces have become a standard prosthetic element in reconstructive hip surgery. A material's properties, three-dimensional architecture, and surface texture all play integral parts in its biological performance. Trabecular metal is an important new biomaterial that has been introduced to enhance the potential of biological ingrowth as well as provide a structural scaffold in cases of severe bone deficit. Initial clinical applications have focused on bone restoration in tumor and salvage cases and in primary and revision reconstructive cases where the increased biological fixation would be of clinical benefit. The bone ingrowth potential and mechanical integrity of this material offer exciting options for orthopedic reconstructive surgeons.