In vitro and in vivo comparisons of the porous Ti6Al4V alloys fabricated by the selective laser melting technique and a new sintering technique.

A new sintering technique using Ti6Al4V powder suspension was performed to prepare porous Ti6Al4V alloy with 75% porosity. Porous Ti6Al4V alloy with the same porosity fabricated by selective laser melting technique was used as the control. The characteristics, mechanical and biological properties of the two types of porous Ti6Al4V alloys were evaluated by mechanical tests, in vitro cell analysis and implantations. Results indicated that both groups showed good biocompatibility and osteogenic ability. However, microstructure and mechanical properties of the sintered porous Ti6Al4V were more similar to the cancellous bone without obvious stress shielding, and the new type of sample may be more effective in achieving early stability after implantation. Therefore, under the study conditions, this new type of porous alloy prospects a good candidate for biomaterials, especially for repairing bone defects and arthroplasty in orthopedics.