Biocompatible low modulus medical implants

摘要

This invention relates generally to high strength, low modulus, metallic medical implants and, in particular, a titanium alloy useful in their fabrication which has a relatively low modulus of elasticity (e.g. closer to that of bone than other typically-used metal alloys) and which does not include any elements which have been shown or suggested as having short term or long term potential adverse effect from a standpoint of biocompatibility. The titanium alloy includes niobium and zirconium in specified amounts with tantalum an optional substitute for niobium.