Orthopaedic implant for supporting tissue growth and methods of forming the implant and tissue

A method of forming tissue, the method comprising:

• providing a three-dimensional tissue scaffold comprising a lattice and an inert, biocompatible material, the lattice forming a plurality of interconnected pores and including surfaces in three dimensions, the inert, biocompatible material applied to the surfaces of the lattice;
• machining the scaffold into an orthopaedic prosthesis having a desired shape and size;
• applying living cells to the biocompatible material of the scaffold;
• and
• culturing the living cells to grow bone tissue on and in the scaffold.

A method of making an orthopaedic implant for supporting tissue growth, the method comprising:

• providing a three-dimensional tissue scaffold having a desired shape and size for subsequent implantation in a patient, the three-dimensional tissue scaffold comprising a machined lattice and an inert, biocompatible metal, the machined lattice forming a plurality of interconnected pores and including surfaces in three dimensions which are coated by the inert, biocompatible metal;
• applying living cells to the inert, biocompatible metal of the scaffold;
• and
• culturing the living cells to grow bone tissue on and in the scaffold.