Methods for forming an integral porous region (10) in an orthopedic implant (12)are provided. The method uses an orthopedic implant pattern (14), together witha porous framework (18) having a plurality of reticulated interstices in a moldingtechnique. After filling the mold (16) with a molten metal such that the moltenmetal enters at least a portion of the reticulated interstices, followed by cooling,an orthopedic implant is formed. The porous framework is then removed to exposean integral porous region of reticulated porosity in the implant. The orthopedicimplant may comprise a monolithic metallic body having an integral porous metalregion. Reticulated porosity extends into the monolithic metallic body andis adapted to allow living tissue growth therein.
