Interconnected porous non-degradable poly(vinyl) alcohol implant and method of manufacture

A method of manufacturing an interconnected porous non-biodegradable polymer implant suitable for implantation into a mammal for the treatment, repair or replacement of defects or injury in musculoskeletal tissue, comprising the steps of:

• a. soaking a sponge containing a biodegradable polymer in deionized water for a period of about 1 hour to 5 days;
• b. centrifuging the sponge during the soaking;
• c. substituting the water with a non-biodegradable polymer in steps of increasing concentration up to a desired final concentration;
• d. freezing the sponge to about −20° C. for about 4 to 24 hours and subsequently thawing the sponge at about 25° C. for about 4 to 12 hours, wherein the freeze-thaw process is performed 1 to 8 times;
• and
• e. enzymatically digesting away the biodegradable polymer in the sponge,
• wherein the mechanical properties of the implant can be controlled by varying the concentration of the non-biodegradable polymer and/or varying the duration and number of freeze-thaw cycles and the interconnected porous non-biodegradable polymer implant has sufficient percent porosity and pore diameter to facilitate integration of cells and attachment within the mammal via ingrowth of surrounding tissue.