APPLICATION OF DIFFUSION HARDENED MATERIAL

摘要

An improved implant having components comprising an oxidized zirconium bearing surface adapted to decrease pain, lower friction, and minimize wear when coupled with natural femoral articular cartilage. The improved implant components also provide for reduced backside wear effects in fixed and mobile implants. The improved implant components further provide for more ideal wear coupling between components in mobile bearing implants.

主权项

1. A medical implant comprising:
a first component having a first surface; a second component having a second surface and a third surface; and a third component having a fourth surface; wherein said first surface is configured to contact said second surface, said first and second surfaces are configured to be in generally opposing facing relation to one another; wherein said third surface is configured to contact said fourth surface, said third and fourth surfaces are configured to be in generally opposing facing relation to one another; wherein a portion of each of said first, second, third, and fourth bearing surfaces comprises:
a diffusion hardened zone that is in contact with a substrate;a substantially defect-free ceramic layer overlaying said diffusion hardened zone,wherein said ceramic layer has a thickness of about 0.1 to 25 microns and said diffusion hardened zone has a thickness of greater than 2 microns.