Prosthetic devices employing oxidized zirconium and other abrasion resistant surfaces contacting surfaces of cross-linked polyethylene
AssigneeSmith & Nephew, Inc.
InventorsGordon Hunter, Shilesh C. Jani
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Orthopedic implants which includes 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.
Claims34
A prosthesis for implantation in a patient, comprising:
- (a) a prosthesis body comprising zirconium or zirconium alloy, said prosthesis body comprising an implant portion for inserting into the body tissue of the patient;
- (b) a bearing surface comprising at least one condyle on the prosthesis body;
- (c) a tibial component comprising cross-linked polyethylene having a surface adapted to cooperate with the bearing surface;
- and,
- (d) a thin coating of blue-black or black oxidized zirconium directly on the bearing surface of the condyle portion.
A prosthesis for implantation in a patient, comprising:
- (a) a hip prosthesis body for implantation into a femur comprising a head portion, said head portion comprising zirconium or zirconium alloy;
- (b) a bearing surface on the head portion of the prosthesis body;
- (c) an acetabular cup having an inner surface comprising cross-linked polyethylene, said inner surface being adapted to cooperate with the bearing surface on the head portion;
- and,
- (d) a thin coating of blue-black or black oxidized zirconium directly on the bearing surface of the head portion.
A prosthesis for implantation in a patient, comprising a first prosthesis portion and a second prosthesis portion;
- (a) said first prosthesis portion comprising zirconium or zirconium alloy, said prosthesis body comprising an implant portion for insertion into the body tissue of the patient;
- (b) a bearing surface on the first prosthesis portion, the bearing surface being sized and shaped to engage or cooperate with a second bearing surface on said second prosthesis portion, said second bearing surface comprising cross-linked polyethylene;
- and,
- (c) a coating of blue-black or black oxidized zirconium from about 1 to about 5 microns in thickness on the bearing surface of the first prosthesis portion.
A prosthesis for implantation in a patient, comprising:
- (a) a prosthesis body comprising zirconium or zirconium alloy, said prosthesis body comprising an implant portion for inserting into the body tissue of the patient;
- (b) a bearing surface on the prosthesis body;
- (c) a counter-bearing surface comprising cross-linked polyethylene and adapted to cooperate with the bearing surface;
- and,
- (d) a thin coating of blue-black or black oxidized zirconium directly on the bearing surface.
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 a ceramic material;
- and,
- (c) a counter-bearing surface comprising cross-linked polyethylene and adapted to cooperate with the bearing surface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.