Scaffold and method for implanting cells

Abstract

A method of creating a synthetic bone implant configured for implantation into a patient is provided. The method includes constructing a synthetic three dimensional composite support structure integrally formed as one piece, the synthetic three dimensional composite support structure including a nonbiodegradable material and having a porous construction with a plurality of passages, wherein the support structure is constructed to have a configuration corresponding to at least one of a bone and a portion of a bone to be replaced in the patient. The method also includes providing the synthetic three dimensional composite support structure to enable placement of the synthetic three dimensional composite support structure in the patient, wherein an outer surface of the support structure is configured to be pressed adjacent the bone, wherein the synthetic three dimensional composite support structure is configured to be positioned in the body to promote growth of tissue in the body of the patient into at least a portion of the synthetic three dimensional composite support structure by having at least a portion of the porous construct adjacent the bone enabling biologic structures to grow into the plurality of passages in the porous construction to securely connect the support structure in place in the body of the patient.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.