描述
Tantalum is a transition metal (atomic number 73; atomic weight 180.05) that remains relatively inert in vivo. Dating back to the mid-1900s multiple medical devices have been fabricated that utilize this material, including: pacemaker electrodes, foil and mesh for nerve repair, radiopaque markers, and cranioplasty plates. Tantalum-based implants have displayed an exceptional biocompatibility and safety record in orthopedic, cranio-facial, and dentistry literature. The basic structure of this porous tantalum metal yields a high volumetric porosity, a low modulus of elasticity, and relatively high frictional characteristics.; Tantalum is known to be relatively inert in vivo and is now used as plates, sutures, radio-markers, and prostheses covering a wide variety of medical subspecialties and procedures. Dental implants have yielded excellent 8-year follow-up with tantalum-based components used for osseous anchorage. The oxide formed on the surface of tantalum implants (self-passivation) in vivo has been found to be quite stable over a wide range of pH and potential ranges. On high-resolution examination, titanium was found to have no multi-nucleated macrophages in the tissue surrounding the metallic implant, while tantalum implants displayed an occasional peri-implant macrophage. Physiologically, it ; exists as an ion in the body.; Overall porous tantalum is corrosion resistant, may be associated with less peri-implant stress shielding, and has the potential to allow for immediate weight bearing (given its high frictional characteristics). These inherent properties and proven biocompatibility make porous tantalum an intriguing metal for the design and manufacture of: press-fit or cementless components for total joint arthroplasty, bone graft substitute, or a scaffold for potential cartilage resurfacing. (PMID: 16737737). Tantalum is found in many foods, some of which are orange bell pepper, green bell pepper, yellow zucchini, and common hazelnut.