Prosthetic devices employing oxidized zirconium and other abrasion resistant surfaces contacting surfaces of cross-linked polyethylene
AssigneeSmith & Nephew, Inc.
InventorsDavid L. Evans, Gordon Hunter, Shilesh C. Jani, Robert E. Brosnahan III
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Abstract
Orthopedic implants which include the components of zirconium or zirconium-based alloys having surfaces coated with oxidized zirconium or alternatively, other orthopedic implants comprising abrasion resistant surfaces contacting surfaces of cross-linked polyethylene are disclosed. Such implants provide low friction, highly wear resistant coatings especially useful in artificial joints, such as hip joints, knee joints, elbows, etc., but also useful in other implant devices as well. The implants also find use as vertebral disc prostheses.
Claims15
A prosthesis for implantation in a patient, comprising:
- (a) a prosthesis body comprising a substrate material, said prosthesis body comprising an implant portion for inserting into the body tissue of the patient;
- (b) a bearing surface on the prosthesis body comprised of an abrasion resistant surface;
- and,
- (c) a counter-bearing surface comprising cross-linked polyethylene and adapted to cooperate with the bearing surface.
A vertebral disc prosthesis for implantation in a patient, said prosthesis comprising at least one surface of cross-linked polyethylene;
- and,
- at least one component formed of zirconium or zirconium alloy and having at least one surface of blue-black or black oxidized zirconium, wherein said at least one surface of cross-linked polyethylene cooperates with said at least one surface of blue-black or black oxidized zirconium.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.