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                                                                     Exhibit 5.1

                          [LATHAM & WATKINS LETTERHEAD]



                                  May 27, 1998

Interpore International, Inc.
181 Technology Drive
Irvine, California 92618-2402
Attn:  Board of Directors

                     Re: Registration Statement on Form S-8

Gentlemen:

        This opinion is rendered in connection with the filing by Interpore
International, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), of a registration
statement on Form S-8 (the "Registration Statement") with the Securities and
Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with respect
to the offer and sale of up to 894,765 shares of the Company's Common Stock, par
value $0.01 per share (the "Shares"), pursuant to the exercise of options
granted under the Cross Medical Products, Inc. Amended and Restated 1994 Stock
Option Plan, The Danninger Medical Technology, Inc. 1984 Incentive Stock Option
Plan and The Danninger Medical Technology, Inc. 1984 Non-Statutory Stock Option
Plan (collectively, the "Plans"). We acted as counsel to the Company in
connection with the preparation of the Registration Statement.

        We have examined such matters of fact and question of law as we have
considered appropriate for purposes of rendering the opinion expressed below.

        We are opining herein as to the effect on the subject transaction of
only the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, and we express no
opinion with respect to the applicability thereto or the effect thereon of any
other laws or as to any matters of municipal law or any other local agencies
within any state.

        Subject to the foregoing and in reliance thereon, we are of the opinion
that, upon the issuance and sale of the Shares in the manner contemplated by the
Registration Statement and in accordance with the respective terms of the Plans,
and subject to the Company completing all action and proceedings required on its
part to be taken prior to the issuance of the Shares pursuant to the respective
terms of the Plans and the Registration Statement, including, without
limitation, collection of required payment for the Shares, the Shares will be
legally and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable securities of the
Company.

        We consent to your filing this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement.

                                         Very truly yours,



                                         /s/ Latham  & Watkins


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