Research progress and clinical translation of three-dimensional printed porous tantalum in orthopaedics

With continuous developments in additive manufacturing technology, tantalum (Ta) metal has been manufactured into orthopaedic implants with a variety of forms, properties and uses by three-dimensional printing. Based on extensive research in recent years, the design, processing and performance aspects of this new orthopaedic implant material have been greatly improved. Besides the bionic porous structure and mechanical characteristics that are similar to human bone tissue, porous tantalum is considered to be a viable bone repair material due to its outstanding corrosion resistance, biocompatibility, bone integration and bone conductivity. Numerous in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies have been carried out in order to analyse the safety and efficacy of these implants in orthopaedic applications. This study reviews the most recent advances in manufacturing, characteristics and clinical application of porous tantalum materials.