Abstract: The present invention relates to a porous polymer material (or scaffold), and more particularly to a polymer-ceramic composite having interconnected pores and a porosity of about 50% to 90%. The scaffold is bioresorbable and exhibits advantageous mechanical properties that mimic those found in natural bone. Methods of preparing the scaffolds and using them in skeletal tissue engineering applications (e.g., as bone grafts to repair osteochondral defects and ligaments) is also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating a bone defect site in a patient. The method includes applying to the bone defect site a bone graft composition comprising a scaffold having a desired shape. The scaffold includes a biodegradable polymer and a ceramic material. The scaffold includes interconnected pores and an average porosity range of about 50% to about 90%, wherein the porosity is substantially uniform throughout the scaffold. The scaffold is bioresorbable and exhibits advantageous mechanical properties that mimic those found in natural bone. Methods of preparing the scaffolds and using them in skeletal tissue engineering applications (e.g., as bone grafts to repair osteochondral defects and ligaments) is also described.