A medical implant includes a metal composite that contains a cellular nanomatrix having a metallic nanomatrix material and a metal matrix disposed in the cellular nanomatrix, the medical implant being configured to disintegrate in response to contact with a fluid. A method for repairing tissue includes disposing an implant in a patient, the implant including a metal composite which contains: a cellular nanomatrix having a metallic nanomatrix material and a metal matrix disposed in the cellular nanomatrix contacting tissue of the patient with the implant, the tissue being in need of repair and non-operatively removing the implant to repair the tissue.