Abstract: A bone implant includes (a) a first layer provided over a first outer surface of the bone implant and being formed of a first material which is one of water-soluble and degradable in body fluids, the first layer having a first thickness and (b) a second layer provided over an outer periphery of the first layer and being formed of a biocompatible material, the second layer having a second thickness smaller than the first thickness.

Abstract: A method for attaching a porous metal layer to a dense metal substrate, wherein the method is particularly useful in forming orthopedic implants such as femoral knee components, femoral hip components, and/or acetabular cups. The method, in one embodiment thereof, comprises providing a solid metal substrate; providing a porous metal structure; contouring a surface of the porous metal structure; placing the porous structure against the substrate such that the contoured surface of the porous metal structure is disposed against the substrate, thereby forming an assembly; applying heat and pressure to the assembly in conjunction with thermal expansion of the substrate in order to metallurgically bond the porous structure and the substrate; and removing mass from the substrate after the porous structure is bonded to the substrate, thereby finish processing the assembly.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for implants with composite coatings to promote tissue in-growth and/or on-growth. An implant includes: a substrate; a structured surface formed on at least a portion of the substrate; and a biocompatible coating deposited on at least a fraction of the structured surface. The systems and methods provide advantages in that the implant has good biocompatibility while the biocompatible coating has good strength.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biocompatible material made of a rust-resistant, alloyed stainless steel which is configured with at least one martensitic surface layer which is formed by a heat treatment with nitrogen case hardening and subsequent cooling. The surface layer, orthogonally to the surface into the sample interior, displaying a virtually linear course of the accompanying hardening and being achieved by a complete phase change (so-called austenitising) in the structural state from ferrite via austenite to martensite. In addition, the biocompatible material is in contact preferably indirectly or directly with the human body, no reactions and/or sensitivity problems being able to occur even in permanent use as a result of its absolute freedom from nickel.

Abstract: A process of forming a prosthetic implant component, such as the femoral component of a knee replacement prosthesis. The process comprises the steps of: (i) forming a prosthetic component having a shape at least approximating the desired final shape of the component from a metal alloy; (ii) subjecting the component to a relatively elevated temperature and pressure followed by a cooling regime; (iii) machining the surface of the component; (iv) polishing the surface of the component.

Abstract: In a prosthesis component of a joint endoprosthesis, the prosthesis component comprises a sliding surface that is designed to form a sliding joint with a counter sliding surface of another prosthesis component. The sliding surface may be formed by a sliding surface coating deposited on the body of the prosthesis component, wherein the sliding surface coating has an antimicrobial effect. The sliding surface coating is active against microorganisms in the area of the sliding joint.

Abstract: An implant for insertion into a human or animal body which comprises at least one implant part is provided. The at least one implant part has a base member which is produced from an implant material and has a surface which is designed at least partially in the form of an artificial joint surface. Part of or the entire joint surface is covered with a wear-reducing hard material coating, such that a service life of the implant is extended and the compatibility of the implant increased. An intermediate layer is provided between the hard material coating and the at least one joint surface formed from the implant material for the purpose of reducing tension between the hard material coating and the implant material. A corresponding method for production of an implant is also provided.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention may be a method of making a porous biocompatible metal article by combining a metal powder with a homogenizing aid to form metal granules, including blending the metal granules and an extractable particulate to form a composite, forming the composite into a green article, removing the extractable particulate from the green article to form a metal matrix and pore structure, and sintering the metal matrix and pore structure. Furthermore the present invention may include a second homogenizing aid combined with the extractable particulate. The present invention also includes shaping the metal matrix and pore structure with or without the use of a binder.

Abstract: Bone fracture fixation devices, systems and methods of use and manufacture are provided. One such bone fixation device includes an elongate element having a responsive zone. The element is adapted to be coupled to the bone so that the responsive zone is positioned adjacent a fracture or fusion site in the bone. The responsive zone is adapted to apply a desired pressure to the bone when coupled thereto. In some embodiments, the responsive zone comprises a shape memory material, which may be nickel titanium or Nitinol, to apply compressive pressure across the fracture or fusion site for longer periods of time than standard bone screws.

Abstract: A medical implant device or component thereof comprising a metal substrate and a coating layer structure provided on the substrate. The coating layer structure comprises an outermost layer of a ceramic material. A bonding structure is deposited between the metal substrate and the coating layer structure. The bonding structure comprises a chromium rich layer, which is deposited onto the metal substrate surface and has a higher concentration of chromium than the metal substrate, as well as a gradient layer having a composition gradient from the chromium rich layer towards the surface of the device providing increasing proportions of a gradient material which has structural correspondence with the layer of the coating layer structure that is most adjacent to the bonding structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating an implant, and to an implant treated by said method. All or some of the outer surfaces of the implant are oxidized with a layer (1a) of substantial thickness and substantial porosity or pore volume. One or more CaP layers (12) are applied to the porous surface or surface of large pore volume. Bone-growth-stimulating agents (13), for example rh-BMP-2 or rh-BMP-7, are then applied to the CaP layer. The method and the device make it possible to support a maximum quantity of bone-growth-stimulating agent, which can be controlled in respect of its release function.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new composition and medical implant made therefrom, the composition comprising a thick diffusion hardened zone, and preferably further comprising a ceramic layer. The present invention relates to orthopedic implants comprising the new composition, methods of making the new composition, and methods of making orthopedic implants comprising the new composition.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an orthopedic implant comprising a metallic substrate coated with a diamond-like carbon (DLC) layer, and a layer of a polymeric material placed over the DLC layer that is less stiff than the substrate, and methods of manufacturing the same.

Abstract: It is provided a method for functionalizing an implant comprising treating the implant surface thereby causing the surface to be electro-positively charged. The implant has enhanced tissue-implant integration and/or bone-implant integration.

Abstract: A support structure implant for location within a bone cavity to support the bone which defines the cavity is formed from interlaced wires which extend from a first end of the structure towards an opposite second end. The structure flares outwardly from the first end to a maximum transverse dimension at a wide point between the first and second ends and tapers inwardly between the wide point and the second end to a constant cross-section throat portion at the second end. The structure includes a ring clamp at the second end to retain the wires in the throat portion which includes an internal support ring. The ratio of (a) the distance between the internal support ring and the interface between the tapering portion and the throat portion to (b) the diameter of the throat portion is not more than about 1.0.

Abstract: A method to enhance osteoblast functionality of a medical implant. The method may include obtaining the medical implant and treating a surface of the medical implant to modify the surface characteristics causing increase functionality of adjacent positioned osteoblasts. A method of increasing cellular activity of a medical implant is also disclosed. A medical device having enhanced cytocompatibility capabilities includes a metallic substrate with an outer surface. Attached to the outer surface is a composition of nanosized structures. A biosensor for use with a medical device, includes an electrode that is attached to an outer surface of the medical device. The biosensor measures electrochemical changes adjacent to the medical implant. Further, a method of manufacturing a medical implant with a biosensor for use in vivo and a method of integrating a biosensor with a medical implant for use in monitoring conductivity and electrochemical changes adjacent to the medical implant are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical tissue-binding material, especially a soft tissue-binding material capable of attaching to a soft biological tissue such as a bone reconstruction material or a transdermal terminal, and a method for preparation thereof. In particular, the present invention relates to a medical tissue-binding material which comprises a base material having calcium binding onto the surface, provided that the base material is not titanium or titanium alloy. Also, the present invention relates to a method for preparing a medical tissue-binding material which comprises soaking a base material into a calcium ion containing solution. Introduction of at least one group selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, carboxyl, sulfonate, amino, silanol and phosphate to the surface of the base material is effective for said method.

Abstract: The invention defines a surface of a titanium-based metal implant to be inserted into bone tissue, characterised in that it comprises substantially pure titanium oxide and has a thickness of 8-50 nm. Also, the invention defines a procedure for obtaining the surface, as well as the metal implant that exhibits it. This surface exhibits good micrometric roughness and a composition that is practically free from impurities and a thickness that is approximately three times the thickness of conventional surfaces; these characteristics provide it with very good osseointegration properties.

Abstract: The invention relates to a substrate comprising a bioactive element and a method to obtain the substrate with the bioactive element. The plate comprising the bioactive element relies upon formation of a carbonate layer containing biologically relevant and active ions on a surface of the substrate. Via the surface modification and mineralization, features such as bone bioactivity and/or sustained ion release can be achieved. This is beneficial for the fixation and thus the long-term outcome of implanted materials.

Abstract: A medical or dental implant which contains a metal material selected from the group consisting of titanium or an alloy thereof, wherein at least part of the surface of the metal material is coated with a layer of a polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). In a preferred embodiment, the implant has been exposed to UV radiation for at least 30 seconds before, simultaneously with and/or after the coating with PUFA. Depending on the concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids on the surface, at least parts of the implant exhibits improved effect on adhesion of mineralized and/or hard tissue, such as on bone remodeling and/or improved biocompatibility, or alternatively inhibits adhesion of mineralized and/or hard tissue to the implant. The metal material is preferably titanium, the polyunsaturated fatty acid is preferably EPA.

Abstract: A prosthetic joint has a central axis and includes: (a) a first member of rigid material and including a body having a cantilevered perimeter flange extending therefrom, the flange defining a wear-resistant, concave first contact surface having a protruding rim and a recessed central portion; and (b) a second member of rigid material with a wear-resistant, convex second contact surface. The first and second contact surfaces bear directly against each other so as to transfer axial and lateral loads from one of the members to the other, while allowing pivoting motion between the two members. The flange is shaped and sized so as to deform elastically and permit the first contact surface to conform in an irregular shape to the second contact surface when the joint is placed under a predetermined load.

Abstract: The present invention is based on that local administration of lithium ions in bone tissue has been found to improve the bone formation and bone mass upon implantation of a bone tissue implant in said bone tissue. In particular, the invention relates to a bone tissue implant having an implant surface covered by an oxide layer comprising lithium ions and a method for the manufacture thereof. A blasting powder comprising lithium ions, a method for locally increasing bone formation, and the use of lithium ions or a salt thereof for manufacturing a pharmaceutical composition for locally increasing bone formation are also provided by the present invention.

Abstract: Osteochondral implants for repair of chondral defects and providing bone fixation through bone ongrowth and/or ingrowth. The implant is provided with a base allowing for bone ongrowth and/or ingrowth and a top attached to the base, the top being formed of a material having a compressive resistance similar to that of the cartilage. The material of the top is polycarbonate urethane, for example. The base may comprise a porous substrate for bony ingrowth formed of metal or PEEK and having a pattern porosity about similar to the porosity of cancellous bone. One side of the top attaches to the base for stability, and the other side of the top forms a surface for articulating with the opposing cartilage surface of the joint.

Abstract: This invention provides a new class of medical devices and implants comprising amorphous metal alloys. The medical devices and implants may be temporary or permanent and may comprise other materials as well, such as polymers, ceramics, and conventional crystalline or polycrystalline metal alloys. Specifically, this invention provides implantable surgical fabrics comprising amorphous metal alloys. The presence of amorphous metal alloys in these fabrics can serve a variety of purposes, including structurally reinforcing the surgical fabric and/or imparting to the fabric the ability to shield against harmful radiation. The fabric may be used inside or outside the body during medical procedures. Further, the implantable surgical fabrics may be woven or non-woven fabrics.

Abstract: A joint part (1) has a porous portion (2) that is defined by a multiplicity of solid regions where material is present and a remaining multiplicity of pore regions where material is absent, the locations of at least most of the multiplicity of solid regions being defined by one or more mathematical functions. The nature of the porous portion can be varied systematically by changing one or more constants in the mathematical functions and the part is made by a process of solid freeform fabrication.

Abstract: A bone repair material being superior in apatite-forming ability and its stability in a storage and high in scratch resistance is disclosed. The material is produced by a method comprising the steps of: immersing a substrate made of titanium or a titanium alloy in a first aqueous solution that does not contain calcium ions but contains at least one cation selected from the group consisting of sodium ions and potassium ions and is alkaline; immersing the substrate in a second aqueous solution that does not contain phosphate ions but contains calcium ions; heating the substrate in a dry atmosphere; and treating the substrate with hot water of 60° C. or higher or with steam.

Abstract: A method for attaching a porous metal layer to a dense metal substrate, wherein the method is particularly useful in forming orthopedic implants such as femoral knee components, femoral hip components, and/or acetabular cups. The method, in one embodiment thereof, comprises providing a solid metal substrate; providing a porous metal structure; contouring a surface of the porous metal structure; placing the porous structure against the substrate such that the contoured surface of the porous metal structure is disposed against the substrate, thereby forming an assembly; applying heat and pressure to the assembly in conjunction with thermal expansion of the substrate in order to metallurgically bond the porous structure and the substrate; and removing mass from the substrate after the porous structure is bonded to the substrate, thereby finish processing the assembly.

Abstract: An orthopaedic bearing includes a metallic component having a polymer composite secured thereto. A method of making an orthopaedic bearing is also disclosed.

Abstract: A percutaneous implant device is biologically attached to bone and soft tissue of a broken limb or amputated limb without longitudinal or lateral movement. Bone and soft tissue in-growth are promoted. The percutaneous implant device has a bio-compatible metal alloy stem member, having an integral tapered fluted section designed to fit into a taper reamed bone canal. A precisely dimensioned cylindrical central core cooperates with a suture ring and an external extension member, facilitating attachment of the percutaneous implant device to a hand or foot prosthesis. A porous metal outer body having a female taper at one end and the capacity to promote growth of bone and soft tissue, is press fitted on the central core contacting suture ring. The assembled implant is inserted into a taper reamed bone cavity until the male taper-reamed bone free end contacts the female taper. Soft skin is extended over the outer surface of the porous metal outer body and the surrounding suture ring.

Abstract: A medical implant is disclosed. The medical implant includes: a first biocompatible metal forming a substrate (210, 310, 410), a second biocompatible metal diffused into the first biocompatible metal to form an biocompatible alloy surface (220, 314, 414), the alloy surface further including a diffusion hardening species, wherein the diffusion hardening species may be carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, boron, or any combination thereof. A method of forming a medical implant is also disclosed. The method includes the steps of: providing a first biocompatible metal or alloy that forms a substrate (210, 310, 410), providing a second biocompatible metal or alloy, diffusing the second biocompatible metal into the first biocompatible metal to form an alloy layer (220, 314, 414), removing excess second metal material from the substrate to expose the alloy layer, and diffusion hardening the alloy layer.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method, using pure niobium as a transient liquid reactive braze material, for fabrication of cellular or honeycomb structures, wire space-frames or other sparse builtup structures or discrete articles using Nitinol (near-equiatomic titanium-nickel alloy) and related shape-memory and superelastic alloys. Nitinol shape memory alloys (SMAs), acquired in a form such as corrugated sheet, discrete tubes or wires, may be joined together using the newly discovered joining technique. Pure niobium when brought into contact with nitinol at elevated temperature, liquefies at temperatures below the melting point and flows readily into capillary spaces between the elements to be joined, thus forming a strong joint.

Abstract: An orthopedic prosthesis comprising a first component having a soft metal bearing surface and a second component having a hard metal bearing surface, in particular a hip prosthesis comprising a spherical bearing member, a femoral stem, and a modular neck configured for interposition between the spherical bearing member and the stem, together with an acetabular implant having a concave bearing surface configured for articulation with the spherical bearing member. One of the spherical bearing member and the concave bearing surface comprises a soft metal bearing surface, the soft metal bearing surface having a hardness of at least about 20 Rc, while the other one of the spherical bearing member and the concave bearing surface comprises a hard metal bearing surface, the hard metal bearing surface having a hardness greater than the soft metal bearing surface by at least about 15 Rc.

Abstract: A bone implant comprises a core 10 having an integral anchoring structure 12 at its surface. The structure 12 comprises an array of upwardly extending mutually spaced pointed claw-like teeth 14 for digging into bone to which the implant is to be attached, and a network of pores 16 underlying the array and communicating with the exterior of the surface via openings 18 between the teeth, the pores allowing for the circulation of nutrients to promote bone growth.

Abstract: A composition for use as a prosthetic biomaterial and associated method. The biomaterial exhibits cytocompatibility, mechanical functionality and osteoblast adhesion between the implant and interfacing surface. The biomaterial is metallic, has a grain size less than about 500 nanometers and has a surface roughness of less than about 800 nm rms.

Abstract: Methods and devices directed to attaching a bone to an implant are disclosed. Some aspects are directed to a modified substrate, such as a mineralized collagenous scaffold, that can be part of an implant. The substrate can have a porous structure that includes a collagen-based material and a calcium-phosphate-based material. In some cases, the collagen is disposed as collagen fibrils, and hydroxyapatite can be coated onto the fibrils and the porous structure. The porous structure can be three-dimensional, and can promote bone in-growth thereto. One or more bioactive agents can be coupled to the modified substrate, which can further promote bone growth. Further details regarding such modified substrates, and techniques for producing and utilizing such materials, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermally sprayed surface layer of titanium (21) on a non-metal substrate (3) of an orthopedic implant (1). In accordance with the invention, the thermally sprayed surface layer (2) includes an X-ray sensitive admixture with respect to the titanium (21), wherein the X-ray sensitive admixture includes a biocompatible indicator metal (4) between 0.01 at % and 20 at %, wherein the atomic weight of the biocompatible indicator metal (4) is larger than the atomic weight of titanium (21). Furthermore, the invention relates to an orthopedic implant (1) with a thermally sprayed surface layer (2).

Abstract: The present invention provides orthopedic prosthesis having at least one metallic component that includes a metallic substrate on which an integrally formed nano-crystalline coating is formed. The coating and the substrate have at least one metallic constituent in common having an average atomic concentration in the coating that differs from an average atomic concentration in the substrate by less than about 10 percent. Further, the nano-crystalline coatings includes crystalline grains with an average size in a range of about 1 to 999 nanometers, and more preferably in a range of about 10 to 200 nanometers. A transition region that exhibits a graded reduction in average grain size separates the coating from the substrate. The coating advantageously exhibits an enhanced hardness, and a high degree of resistance to corrosion and wear. In one application, the nano-crystalline coatings of the invention are utilized to form articulating surfaces of various orthopedic devices.

Abstract: A medical implant system is described for inhibiting infection associated with a joint prosthesis implant. An inventive system includes an implant body made of a biocompatible material which has a metal component disposed on an external surface of the implant body. A current is allowed to flow to the metal component, stimulating release of metal ions toxic to microbes, such as bacteria, protozoa, fungi, and viruses. One detailed system is completely surgically implantable in the patient such that no part of the system is external to the patient while the system is in use. In addition, externally controlled devices are provided which allow for modulation of implanted components.

Abstract: The invention relates to bone implants and sets for producing bone implants. Said bone implants are made from pasty or cementitious preparations which are introduced into open-cell metal structures comprising an interconnected pore system as solid or porous materials and are optionally allowed to set, the metal structure per se being biocompatible in biological conditions and being stable or corrodible. The bone implant according to the invention contains at least one open-cell metal structure that has an interconnected pore system which is at least partially filled with a preparation made of at least one bone replacement material. The open-cell metal structure is significantly less rigid than the solid material made of the same metal.

Abstract: A metal implant, in particular a dental implant, with a hydrophilic surface for at least partial insertion into a bone, and a method for the production of said implant are described. A particularly advantageous hydrophilic surface for improved osteointegration properties is made available if it is briefly treated, at least in some areas, in a weakly alkaline solution. These excellent osteointegration properties can be achieved in a method in which, optionally after a preceding mechanical surface modification by material removal and/or chemical surface modification, at least the areas exposed of this surface exposed to bone and/or soft tissue are chemically modified in an alkaline solution.

Abstract: The present invention is based on that local administration of strontium ions in bone tissue has been found to improve the bone formation and bone mass upon implantation of a bone tissue implant in said bone tissue. In particular, the invention relates to a bone tissue implant having an implant surface covered by an oxide layer comprising strontium ions and a method for the manufacture thereof. A blasting powder comprising strontium ions, a method for locally increasing bone formation, and the use of strontium ions or a salt thereof for manufacturing a pharmaceutical composition for locally increasing bone formation are also provided by the present invention.

Abstract: A porous substrate or implant for implantation into a human or animal body constructed from a structural material and having one or more regions which when implanted are subjected to a relatively lower mechanical loading. The region(s) are constructed with lesser mechanical strength by having a lesser amount of structural material in said region(s) relative to other regions. This is achieved by controlling pore volume fraction in the regions. A spacer is adapted to define an open-cell pore network by taking a model of the required porous structure, and creating the spacer to represent the required porous structure using three-dimensional modelling. Material to form the substrate about the spacer in infiltrated the scaffold structure formed.

Abstract: A metal implant for use in a surgical procedure is provided with a surface layer that is integral with the metal substrate, and which incorporates a biocidal material. The surface layer may be grown from the metal substrate, by anodizing, and the biocidal material incorporated in it by ion exchange. Alternatively the layer may be deposited by electroplating, followed by diffusion bonding so as to become integral with the metal substrate. In either case, silver is a suitable biocidal material; and both the release rate and the quantity of biocidal material should be low to avoid toxic effects on body cells. Electropolishing the surface before formation of the surface layer is also beneficial, and this may be achieved by electropolishing.

Abstract: In-vivo biodegradable medical implants, containing at least in part at least partially fine-grained metallic materials that are strong, tough, stiff and lightweight, are disclosed The in-vivo biodegradable implants are used in a number of stent applications, for fracture fixation, sutures and the like.

Abstract: A minimally-thick orthopedic prosthesis is described which closely matches the end of a bone of a joint after that bone end has been minimally reshaped and resurfaced by an orbital or lineally oscillating orthopedic resurfacing tool in the minimally invasive orthopedic surgical repair or reconstruction of hip, knee, ankle, shoulder, elbow, wrist, and other joints. The original ligament tensions and the varus and valgus alignments of the joint are preserved and the marrow cavities of bones are not invaded avoiding the dangers of blood clots, heart attacks, and other complications.

Abstract: A method is provided for depositing a hard wear resistant surface onto a porous or non-porous base material of a medical implant. The wear resistant surface of the medical implant device may be formed by a Laser Based Metal Deposition (LBMD) method such as Laser Engineered Net Shaping (LENS). The wear resistant surface may include a blend of multiple different biocompatible materials. Further, functionally graded layers of biocompatible materials may be used to form the wear resistant surface. Usage of a porous material for the base may promote bone ingrowth to allow the implant to fuse strongly with the bone of a host patient. The hard wear resistant surface provides device longevity, particularly when applied to bearing surfaces such as artificial joint bearing surfaces or a dental implant bearing surfaces.

Abstract: A composition, a medical implant constructed from the composition, and a method of making the composition are described. The composition is a composite material, comprising a porous, reticulated, open cell network having at least part of its surface coated with blue-black or black oxidized zirconium.

Abstract: A method of depositing a hard wear resistant surface onto a porous or non-porous base material of a medical implant. The medical implant device formed by a Laser Based Metal Deposition (LBMD) method. The porous material of the base promotes bone ingrowth allowing the implant to fuse strongly with the bone of a host patient. The hard wear resistant surface provides device longevity when applied to bearing surfaces such as artificial joint bearing surface or a dental implant bearing surface.

Abstract: An implant with a metal structure for use in a surgical procedure, in which at a region of the implant to be in contact with bone the metal structure is provided with a roughened surface. The roughened region is then provided with a ceramic coating comprising hydroxyapatite by a thermal spraying process. Biocidal ions of silver are absorbed into the ceramic coating, and gradually leach out into body fluids after implantation. The hydroxyapatite enhances bone regrowth into the implant, while the silver ions suppress infection.

Abstract: A metallic biomedical article, preferably an orthopaedic implant, instrument or tool, for use in contact with internal human body tissue, having a first silver containing metal nitride coating thereon, and process for making the same, is provided.