Research and clinical applications of selective laser melting tantalum bone plates

In clinical settings, tantalum (Ta) is extensively implemented as a bone implant material. Ta is highly stable and biocompatible in vivo, being one of the metallic biomaterials having high affinity for bone tissue. However, since Ta is a refractory metal, its application as bone implant material is limited. Most recently, additive manufacturing technology has introduced a novel approach to producing Ta implants. The present study compared the microstructure, surface and mechanical characteristics, and in vitro and in vivo biological characteristics of selective laser melted Ta (SLM Ta), selective laser melted titanium alloy Ti6Al4V with Ta coating (SLM Ti6Al4V with Ta coating), and selective laser melted Ti6Al4V (SLM Ti6Al4V). Results indicate that SLM Ta possesses superior mechanical characteristics contrasted with SLM Ti6Al4V and SLM Ti6Al4V with Ta coating. Furthermore, SLM Ta has anti-inflammatory activity, excellent osseointegration performance, and osteogenic bioactivity. We fabricated an SLM porous Ta bone plate and employed it for internal fixation of ulnar and radius fractures, which has been known to promote fracture healing. Further, the SLM porous Ta bone plate could form an integrated bone plate structure with the bone tissue at the implant site. Afterward, the porous structure of the plate minimizes its elastic modulus and eliminates stress shielding, leaving no need for further surgical removal. In conclusion, the SLM porous Ta bone plate meets the performance requirements (stimulating bone regeneration, non-stress shelter, and no need for second surgery) of an ideal bone plate and may revolutionize the field of internal fixation bone plates for fractures.