Abstract: A prosthetic implant for implantation into skeletal bone comprising an implantable base member having an internal housing surrounded partially by a porous wall, an anode secured in the internal housing in electrical contact with the porous wall, and a porous means placed in the internal housing for retaining a biocompatible electrolyte. When implanted into bone structure, the prosthetic implant generates sufficient current flow which results in invivo formation of calcium phosphate minerals between the implant and the surrounding bone, thereby, resulting in improved fixation and stability of the implant.

Abstract: A method for coating implantable medical devices, such as orthopaedic prostheses, with a dense, substantially non-porous oxide coating so as to minimize ion release therefrom, and the product of that process is described. The prosthesis is subjected to anodic electrolytic deposition in an alcoholic electrolyte containing alkali metal nitrate or nitric acid. In a preferred embodiment the anodically coated prosthesis is also coated with a bioactive layer of calcium phosphate.