DENSE/POROUS STRUCTURES FOR USE AS BONE SUBSTITUTES

摘要

A combination dense/porous structure includes a porous element having an outer surface defining a shape having a bulk volume, the element includes a continuous framework having struts defining a plurality of interconnecting interstices throughout the bulk volume. The porous element has interconnecting interstices extending throughout the volume and opening through the surface. The combination dense/porous structure also includes a dense element formed from a material and having a sintered density of at least 95%, contacting at least a portion of the porous element; and an interconnection zone formed by the inter-penetration of the material forming the dense element into the porous element. The combination dense/porous structures are particularly useful as bone substitute materials and extended release delivery systems, preferable sustained release, for physiologically active agents. The interconnection zone can also be formed by a bonding phase that may or may not be the same material as the dense and/or porous element. A process for producing a combination dense/porous structure includes: providing a porous element; providing a dispersion comprising a ceramic or metal powder and a binder; contacting the dispersion with the porous element whereby the slip at least partially penetrates into at least a portion of the porous element to form an interconnection zone and a dense element formed from the dispersion and adjacent to the interconnection zone to form a dense/porous structure; treating the dense/porous structure to form a green dense/porous structure; and curing, drying, and/or heating the green dense/porous structure to form the combination dense/porous structure.