Structure-Function Relationships for a Coralline Hydroxyapatite Bone Substitute

Coralline hydroxyapalite (Pro-Osteon 500, Interpore International, Irvine, CA) is an artificial bone substitute that has been approved by the FDA since 1993. Despite previous in vitro and animal studies on the mechanical behavior of coralline hydroxyapatite [1–3], its mechanical properties are not well understood. Further, the relationship between the microstructure and mechanical properties of coralline hydroxyapatite is unknown. Knowledge of this relationship is important in determining the optimal clinical use of this bone substitute.