Shapeable porous metal implant

Abstract

Shapeable porous metal implants and methods for use in various procedures are disclosed. The implants can comprise a shell according to some examples. According to one example, the method can include providing a sheet of highly porous metal material having a porosity of between 55% and 90%, and wrapping the sheet of highly porous metal material around at least a first bone of the patient. Further examples can form the sheet intra-operatively to a desired shape. In an example, the porous metal sheet can be formed of tantalum or tantalum alloys.

1 . A method of supporting bone in a patient, comprising:
 providing a sheet of highly porous metal material having a porosity of between 55% and 90% for encouraging bone ingrowth into said sheet; and   wrapping the sheet around at least a first bone of the patient.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the wrapping includes shaping the sheet intra-operatively to a desired shape to match an anatomy of the patient. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the sheet has a thickness of between about 0.02 inch and about 0.07 inch. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the sheet is introduced as a roll to an operative site adjacent the first bone. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 wrapping the sheet around a second bone for fusing the first bone to the second bone.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the wrapping includes shaping the sheet in vivo to an anatomy of the patient. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , treats one or more of a long bone fracture, a spinal injury, and a maxiofacial injury. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising disposing the sheet to interface with multiple sides of the first bone to aid in the retention of bone fragments or to aid in directing bone growth. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the sheet is wrapped fully around the first bone. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein wrapping the sheet configures the sheet as a bone grafting platform. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the sheet has one or more features that are configured to facilitate retention of the sheet to the first bone of the patient. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the sheet has a first face opposite a second face, at least one of the first face and second face comprising a tissue interfacing surface. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12  further comprising coupling one or more features of the tissue interfacing surface to the first bone or soft tissue of the patient to facilitate retention of the sheet to the first bone or soft tissue upon initial implantation of the sheet into the patient. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the tissue interfacing surface includes at least one of a tab, a hook or a barb extending therefrom configured to facilitate the retention of the sheet to the first bone or soft tissue. 
     
     
         15 . A method of fusing at least a first bone to a second bone, comprising:
 providing a sheet of highly porous metal material having a porosity of between 55% and 90%; and   positioning the sheet in contact with the first bone and the second bone for fusing the first bone to the second bone.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising molding the sheet intra-operatively to a desired shape. 
     
     
         17 . A method of supporting bone in a patient, comprising:
 providing a sheet of highly porous metal material having a porosity of between 55% and 90% for encouraging bone ingrowth into said sheet;   introducing the sheet as a roll to an operative site adjacent a first bone of a patient;   positioning the sheet in contact with the first bone and a second bone;   wrapping the sheet around at least the first bone.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the sheet is wrapped fully around the first bone. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the first bone and the second bone comprise vertebras of the patient. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 17  wherein the first bone and the second bone are part of a joint in the patient.