Methods for forming an integral porous region (10) in an orthopedic implant(12) are provided. The method usesan orthopedic implant pattern (14), together with a porous framework (18)having a plurality of reticulated interstices in a moldingtechnique. After filling the mold (16) with a molten metal such that themolten metal enters at least a portion of the reticulatedinterstices, followed by cooling, an orthopedic implant is formed. The porousframework is then removed to expose an integralporous region of reticulated porosity in the implant. The orthopedic implantmay comprise a monolithic metallic body having anintegral porous metal region. Reticulated porosity extends into the monolithicmetallic body and is adapted to allow living tissuegrowth therein.
