Orthopaedic implants fabricated from amorphous or partially amorphous calcium-based metal alloys

Abstract

Orthopaedic implants are formed using processes whereby a metal alloy is cooled at a rate rapid enough that an amorphous or partially amorphous structure is retained. In the preferred embodiment, the metal alloy is a calcium-based metal alloy. The fabrication process may include die-casting or additive manufacturing process of the type wherein material increments are consolidated in accordance with the description without melting the material in bulk. Such processes include ultrasonic consolidation, electrical resistance consolidation, and frictional consolidation. The material increments are provided in the form of sheets, elongated tapes, filaments, dots or droplets. A preferred method includes a casting process to produce an initial form having an outer surface followed by an additive manufacturing process used to build up at least a portion of the outer surface. For example, the portion may include an intramedullary stem, bone-ingrowth surface, or articulating surface.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.