ZIRCONIUM ALLOY-BASED PROSTHESIS WITH ZIRCONIUM OXIDE OR ZIRCONIUM NITRIDE COATING

摘要

Orthopaedic implants of zirconium orzirconium-based alloy coated with blue-black zirconiumoxide or zirconium nitride to provide low friction,highly wear resistant coatings especially useful inartificial joints, such as hip joints, knee joints,elbows, etc. The invention zirconium oxide or nitridecoated prostheses are also useful, in that the coatingsprovide a barrier against implant corrosion caused byionisation of the metal prosthesis. Such protectioncan be extended by the use of oxidised or nitridedporous coatings of zirconium or zirconium alloy beadsor wire mesh into which bone spicules may grow so thatthe prosthesis may be integrated into the livingskeleton.