A high-modulus polymer for porous orthopedic implants: biomechanical compatibility of porous implants.

A high-modulus polymer, polysulfone, was evaluated as a porous bone implant material. The bone ingrowth into canine cortical pellets of sintered polysulfone particles was assessed by microradiography and histology. The shear strength of the porous polysulfone-bone interface was determined by push-out and pull-out tests of cortical and trochanteric implants, respectively. Results indicated that the bone ingrowth into porous polysulfone specimens proceeded in such a fashion as to mimic the normal repair at the site. Mechanical testing of cortical and cancellous implants revealed that the interfacial shear strength of the porous polysulfone-bone composite was similar to that achieved using porous metals.