MOBILE BEARING TIBIAL BASE PROSTHETIC DEVICE EMPLOYING OXIDIZED ZIRCONIUM SURFACES

摘要

A n orthopedic implant with a diffusion-hardened surface on non-load bearing areas of the implant for interaction with non-load bearing surfaces of a polymeric bio-compatible material, such as UHMWPE (ultra-high molecular weig ht polyethylene). The orthopedic implant is a mobile-bearing knee prosthetic an d system where a coating of oxidized zirconium is formed on the post of the tibial tray of the prosthetic for interaction with an opening of a polymeric tibial insert. The diffusion-hardened surface of the orthopedic implant provides a strengthened post and reduction in wear in the opening of the polymeric insert.