Methods of designing three-dimensional lattice structures for implants

A method for manufacturing an implant having reduced stress shielding, the method comprising:

• fabricating a three-dimensional lattice structure comprising a plurality of repeating unit cells, each unit cell comprising a plurality of sub-unit cells, each sub-unit cell comprising:
• a node located within a volume of the sub-unit cell;
• a plurality of struts extending radially from the node and defining boundaries of the sub-unit cell;
• and
• a plurality of interconnected openings;
• fabricating the implant such that the implant comprises an implant body configured such that at least a portion of the implant body includes the three-dimensional lattice structure, the implant body being configured such that, once implanted between two areas of tissue, the implant body defines an implant space between the two areas of tissue, and the implant space provides sole mechanical spacing between the two areas of tissue in at least one plane that intersects a loading axis of the implant.