Use of lipids for preventing fretting corrosion in the modular tapers of orthopedic implants

Abstract

The use of lipids in the taper junction or other metal on metal interface of a modular orthopedic implant to prevent fretting corrosion and increase the pull off load. The incorporation of lipids or a lipid-like substrate within the taper junction increases the onset load and decreases the amount of corrosion. The incorporation of lipids also increases the pull-off load necessary to separate the head from the neck. As a result, the use of lipids in the taper junction of an orthopedic implant should reduce the need for revisions of implants, such as such as knee and hip replacements, which are often needed because of fretting corrosion.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.