| abstract |
Prosthetic devices, such as orthopedic, dental and maxillofacial prostheses, are provided which are composed of an inner load bearing, functional component and an outer foamed or sintered porous coating of selected bioengineering thermoplastics. The bioengineering thermoplastic coating is provided in regions where long-term bone fixation is desired by tissue ingrowth. The coatings offer substantial biomechanical advantages over any material system previously reported. Also provided, are anatomically shaped devices comprised totally of bioengineering thermoplastics with select porous areas; these devices include bone gap bridges, bone caps, and alveolar ridge augmentation implants. |