What pore size is commonly used for bone ingrowth?

The commonly accepted pore size for facilitating bone ingrowth is within the range of 150-500 μm. This size is optimal for promoting vascularization and osteoconductivity in tissue engineering scaffolds, allowing for the effective migration of bone cells into the scaffold. Pores of this size can also support the infiltration of blood vessels, which is essential for delivering nutrients and facilitating the healing process.

Pores that are too small, such as those in the range of 1-10 μm, do not allow for sufficient cellular migration or the passage of necessary biological fluids, thereby limiting their effectiveness for bone ingrowth. Similarly, while 50-100 μm pores may provide some benefits, they are generally not large enough to fully accommodate the complex physiological processes involved in bone integration. The alternative option suggesting that any pore size is used does not align with the established understanding of bone ingrowth requirements. In summary, the chosen pore size of 150-500 μm is crucial for maximizing the success of scaffolds in bone tissue engineering.