the invention relates to porous ceramic composites incorporating biodegradable polymers for use as a bone substitute in the fields of orthopaedics and dentistry or as a scaffold for tissue engineering applications . the porous ceramic composite implant for connective tissue replacement comprises a porous ceramic matrix having a biodegradable polymer provided on internal and external surfaces of the ceramic matrix . the biodegradable polymer allows for the passage and / or delivery of a variety of agents throughout the porous ceramic matrix and improves mechanical properties of the implant in vivo .