The present invention comprises a poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogel constructhaving a wide range of mechanical strengths for use as ahuman tissue replacement. A process in connection with the present inventioneliminates any step involved with dehydration of the hydrogelprior to implantation thereof. The hydrogel construct may comprise a tissuescaffolding, a low bearing surface within a joint, or any otherstructure which is suitable for supporting the growth of tissue.
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