Objective:To observe the three-dimensional (3D) structure and morphologic characteristics of domestic porous tantalum implanted in rabbit erector spinae and evaluate its histocompatibility,and to provide experimental evidence for repair and reconstruction of bone defects. Methods:The structure of the domestic porous tantalum was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). A total of 24 adult New Zealand rabbits were used to establish porous tantalum model. Two 1.5 cm × 1.5 cm × 0.2 cm porous tantalum materials were implanted in one side of rabbit erector spinae (the experimental group). Two 1.5 cm × 1.5 cm × 0.2 cm porous titanium materials (the control group) were implanted into the opposite side in the same rabbits. The rabbits were sacrificed successively at 2,4,8 and 12 weeks post implantation. Slices of hard tissue specimen were examined to observe fibrous capsule morphology and vascular formation. Muscle and fibrous tissue morphology around the material were observed by SEM. Results:The SEM showed the 3D structure of porous tantalum and pore diameter ranged from 400 to 600 μm. The muscle and fibrous tissue ingrowth was found in the surface and pores of porous tantalum in the early stage. In the late stage,collagen fibers and the pores of porous tantalum were filled with muscle tissue and connected to each other. Hard tissue slices observed that the loose and thick vascularized fibrous capsule formed in the porous tantalum-muscle interface at the beginning and became thin and compact in the end. The muscles,small vessels and fibrous tissues were found in the pores of materials. Conclusion:The Chinese porous tantalum has good histocompatibility,and its 3D porous structure is advantageous to ingrowth and extension on the surface and in the pores for the muscle tissue. The Chinese porous tantalum may has the potential to repair bone defect.