METAL IMPLANTS

摘要

An implant with a metal structure for use in a surgical procedure, in whi ch at a region of the implant to be in contact with bone the metal structure is provided with a roughened surface. The roughened region is then provided with a ceramic coating comprising hydroxyapatite by a thermal spraying proc ess. Biocidal ions of silver are absorbed into the ceramic coating, and grad ually leach out into body fluids after implantation. The hydroxyapatite enha nces bone regrowth into the implant, while the silver ions suppress infectio n.