White Paper

Much research has been done into developing synthetic Hydroxyapatite (HA) as materials for bone replacement, since natural bone comprises HA. In addition, HA powders have been used as coatings on metal implants in a bid to make them more compatible with the body and to promote stronger bone-to-implant bonding and hence increased longevity of the implant (for example, in the case of femoral hip implants).

In the quest to develop implants that comprise HA alone, porous HA granulates have already been developed. Used to fill bone voids originating from disease or trauma (if plates and mesh are used to contain the free flowing granulate material) they do, however, also have their problems, namely migration or exfoliation of the granulate.