By some estimates, more than two million bone grafts take place worldwide each year. The best possible graft material is autologous bone taken from the patient—usually shaved from the side of the pelvis. But researchers are busy developing advanced titanium foams for certain circumstances in which artificial grafts work best.

“You might choose an [artificial substance] in a person who has a cancer, if you’re worried that bone may not grow” when exposed to radiation therapy, says Michael Yaszemski, a professor of orthopedic surgery and biomedical engineering at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. (Click here to to continue reading)

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