Abstract: An orthopedic component having multiple layers that are selected to provide an overall modulus that is substantially lower than the modulus of known orthopedic components to more closely approximate the modulus of the bone into which the orthopedic component is implanted. In one exemplary embodiment, the orthopedic component is an acetabular shell. For example, the acetabular shell may include an outer layer configured for securement to the natural acetabulum of a patient and an inner layer configured to receive an acetabular liner. The head of a femoral prosthesis articulates against the acetabular liner to replicate the function of a natural hip joint. Alternatively, the inner layer of the acetabular shell may act as an integral acetabular liner against which the head of the femoral prosthesis articulates.

Abstract: The invention relates to an orthopedic implant made of a ceramic metal composite. The composite (28, 48, 54) includes one phase that is a biocompatible metal or metal alloy and a second phase of ceramic particles examples of which include carbides, nitrides and/or oxides. In some embodiments, the implant comprises a homogeneous ceramic layer (24) as part of a multi-layered composition. In some embodiments, the multilayered composition comprises a homogeneous metal layer (32).

Abstract: The invention provides a process for producing a metal body, which leads in a simple and reliable way to formation of a defined surface topography, if desired also combined, in the range from 10 nm to 500 ?m on a metal base body or blank which is to have, in particular, nanoscale pores. For this purpose, a pulsating current is applied to a metal base body in an electrolysis bath, with the electrolysis bath comprising salt former ions matched to the material of the metal base body. Furthermore, the invention provides a dental implant having particularly advantageous surface properties, in which a nanostructure is superimposed on a surface microstructure and nitrogen atoms and/or nitrogen compounds are attached and/or included in the region of the surface.

Abstract: Biocompatible bone graft material having a biocompatible, resorbable polymer and a biocompatible, resorbable inorganic material exhibiting macro, meso, and microporosities.

Abstract: A pliable bone restorative having an osteoconductive foam that at least partially surrounds a biocompatible mesh and the foam comprises a biocompatible, resorbable polymer and calcium phosphate.

Abstract: A coating of blue-black or black oxidized zirconium of uniform and controlled thickness on a zirconium or zirconium alloy material is accomplished through the oxidative treatment of an amorphous zirconium or zirconium alloy substrate having an altered surface roughness. An oxidized zirconium coating of uniform and controlled thickness is especially useful on orthopedic implants of zirconium or zirconium-based alloys to provide low friction, highly wear resistant surfaces on artificial joints, such as, but not limited to, hip joints, knee joints, shoulders, elbows, and spinal implants. The uniformly thick oxidized zirconium surface of controlled depth on prostheses provide a barrier against implant corrosion caused by ionization of the metal prostheses. The invention is also useful in non-articulating implant devices such as bone plates, bone screws, etc.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods of processing cobalt alloys including, in weight percent, from 26 to 30 chromium, from 5 to 7 molybdenum, and greater than 50 cobalt, the methods comprises cold working and aging the alloys such that after aging the cobalt alloys have a hardness of at least Rockwell C 50. Other embodiments provide methods of selectively cold working at least one portion of a cobalt alloy, and subsequently aging the alloy, such after aging, the selectively cold worked portions of the alloy have a higher hardness value then portions of the alloy that were not selectively cold worked. The present invention also discloses cobalt alloys, implants, and articles of manufacture made from cobalt alloys within the present invention.

Abstract: The invention provides a medical implant device or component thereof comprising a metal substrate, an intermediate coating, and an outer coating of aluminum oxide, as well as a method of making such a medical implant device or component thereof.

Abstract: Provided is a novel hip replacement implant system that includes a ball assembly having a ball trunion, the ball assembly being configured as a replacement for the head of the femur and capable of being secured by the ball assembly trunion to a calcar implant element that can be securely seated in the calcar bone of the femoral neck, thus maintaining the load transfer function of the calcar bone of the femoral neck. A method of using the device is also provided.

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: A device, for example a medical implant, and a method of making the same, the device having a metal or metal alloy substrate, for example CoCr, and a diffusion hardened metallic surface, for example a plasma carburized surface, contacting a non-diffusion hardened surface or a diffusion hardened surface having a diffusion hardening species different from that of the opposing surface.

Abstract: A biomedical member having high strength, high toughness and high hardness and an artificial joint that uses the same are provided. In addition, a biomedical member that exhibits high wear resistance even in in vivo environment and an artificial joint are provided. Such a composite ceramic is used that contains 65% by weight or more Al2O3, 4 to 34% by weight of ZrO2 and 0.1 to 4% by weight of SrO, while Sr forms a solid solution with part of the ZrO2 grains. The composite ceramics further contains TiO2, MgO and SiO2 as sintering additives, while controlling the amounts to 0.20% by weight or more SiO2, 0.22% by weight or more TiO2 and 0.12% by weight or more MgO, and the total amount of SiO2, TiO2 and MgO within a range from 0.6 to 4.5% by weight.

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 medical prosthetic device having a metal material, such as titanium or an alloy thereof, where the surface parts of the metal material are coated with a layer of a corresponding hydroxide material, such as titanium hydroxide. Preferably, the hydroxide layer includes one or more biomolecule substances associated therewith. The invention also relates to an electrolytic process for the preparation of a medical prosthetic device.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for preparing a metal substrate having a uniform textured surface with a plurality of indentations with a diameter in the nanometer and micrometer range. The textured surface is produced by exposing the substrate to an etching fluid comprising a hydrohalic acid and a mixture of a hydrohalic acid and an oxyacid, a chloride containing compound, and an oxidant. The etching solution can be used at ambient temperature. This textured surface enhances adherence of coatings or cells onto the textured surface, improves the retention of proteins on the surface, and encourages bone in-growth.

Abstract: An orthopedic joint prosthesis comprising a first component having a soft metal bearing surface and a second component having a hard metal bearing surface. The soft metal bearing surface has a hardness of at least about 20 Rc, while the hard metal bearing surface having a hardness greater than the soft metal bearing surface by at least about 15 Rc. The soft and the hard metal bearing surfaces are configured to articulate with one another. The differential hardness of the hard metal bearing surface to the soft metal bearing surface is preferably at least about 1.5, and is preferably less than about 3. The hard metal bearing surface is preferably not more than about 40 Rc harder than the soft metal bearing surface. The hard metal bearing surface preferably has a hardness of between about 40 Rc and about 60 Rc.

Abstract: A textured surface and oxidation layer coating on a metallic material is accomplished through the chemical and/or electrochemical etching of the surface to modify the surface texture and an in-situ oxidation procedure. The surface is useful for the fabrication of prosthetic devices, particularly medical implants, due to the corrosion and wear resistance imparted by the oxidation layer and the ability to enhance grafting of the implant onto bone imparted by the surface texture.

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: Disclosed are medical prosthetic devices or medical implants which exhibit improved biocompatitibly. The devices or implants include a metal material, e.g. titanium, in which the metal surface parts are coated with a corresponding hydride material that contains one or more biomolecule substance. This biomolecule substance may contain one or more biologically active molecules, e.g. bio-adhesives, biopolymers, blood proteins, enzymes, extra cellular matrix proteins, extra cellular matrix biomolecules, growth factors and hormones, peptide hormones, deoxyribonucleic acids, ribonucleic acids, receptors, enzyme inhibitors, drugs, biologically active anions and cations, vitamins, adenosine monophosphate (AMP), adenosine diphosphate (ADP), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), marker biomuolecules, amino acids, fatty acids, nucleotides (RNA and DNA bases), or sugars.

Abstract: Biocompatible bone graft material having a biocompatible, resorbable polymer and a biocompatible, resorbable inorganic material exhibiting macro, meso, and microporosities.

Abstract: An implant and a process of modifying an implant surface, which implant is in particular a hip implant, a tooth implant, a bone screw, fixation pin or a fixation nail (pin-fixation), comprising a metallic base body, which implant has a surface modified by a material containing a tissue-friendly metal, such as tantalum or niobium, for the formation of a surface modification where at least the tissue-friendly metal is alloyed with the surface and constitutes a uniform, diffusion-tight outer zone on the body, which outer zone has a higher ductility than the metallic base body in order to obtain a tissue-friendly implant with increased fatigue strength.

Abstract: A section of the implant is treated successively and separately with three different acids—hydrofluoric, sulphuric and hydrochloric acid— to create evenly distributed peaks on the surface and sufficient surface area. Plasma rich in growth factors is then applied to said surface.

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 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 bone replacement endoprosthesis has a metallic support structure, at least part of the surface of which is galvanically silvered. Beneath the silver layer a bond layer is provided which can comprise gold.

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: A ceramic-metal composite articulation is provided with substantial elimination of wear debris, wherein a ceramic material is provided with superior mechanical properties tailored for articulating with ceramic articulations having high flexural strength (greater than about 700 MPa), high fracture toughness (greater than about 7 MPa1/2) and a high Weibull modulus (greater than about 20), in comparison with presently available bio-ceramics such as alumina or zirconia. The mechanical property enhancement enables ceramic materials with greater reliability and significantly reduced in-vivo fracture risk to be obtained. Preliminary in-vitro wear performance, to several million cycles using established test protocols, of head/cup components in a prosthetic hip joint made from these ceramics also demonstrates the ultra low wear characteristics.

Abstract: A method including forming a first coating layer derived from an alkoxide on a substrate having a dimension suitable for an implant and forming a second coating layer on the first coating layer that promotes osseointegration. An apparatus comprising a substrate having a dimension suitable as a medical or dental implant and a coating on a surface of a first coating layer derived from an alkoxide and a second coating layer that promotes osseointegration.

Abstract: A medical implant for the body of a person or an animal consists at least partially of a magnesium alloy. The magnesium alloy contains portions of rare earth metals and lithium and optionally yttrium and aluminum. The magnesium alloy preferably contains lithium in a portion of 0.01 to 7 mass %, aluminum in a portion of 0.01 to 16 mass %, optionally yttrium in a portion of 0.01 to 7 mass %, and rare earth metals in a portion of 0.01 to 8 mass %.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods of processing cobalt alloys including, in weight percent, from 26 to 30 chromium, from 5 to 7 molybdenum, and greater than 50 cobalt, the methods comprises cold working and aging the alloys such that after aging the cobalt alloys have a hardness of at least Rockwell C 50. Other embodiments provide methods of selectively cold working at least one portion of a cobalt alloy, and subsequently aging the alloy, such after aging, the selectively cold worked portions of the alloy have a higher hardness value then portions of the alloy that were not selectively cold worked. The present invention also discloses cobalt alloys, implants, and articles of manufacture made from cobalt alloys within the present invention.

Abstract: Prosthetic joints, components for prosthetic joints, superhard bearing and articulation surfaces, diamond bearing and articulation surfaces, substrate surface topographical features, materials for making joints, bearing and articulation surfaces, and methods for manufacturing and finishing the same, and related information are disclosed, including a diamond-surfaced femoral head for use in a prosthetic joint.

Abstract: A work hardened articulating surface for anatomical prosthetics. Articulating surfaces of prosthetics are work hardened to decrease the wear and increase the longevity of the prosthetic after implantation. The articulating surface can be hardened in any number of ways, for example the articulating surface can be formed from stock material that has been work hardened throughout or the articulating surface can be work hardened prior to final finishing of the prosthetic component. Regardless, the hardened articulating surface reduces wear after implantation while eliminating the need for a separate bearing component.

Abstract: Applicant submits herewith an abstract of the invention retyped on a separate page in conformation with U.S. practice. The abstract is taken from that appearing on the cover of the published international application.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant having diffusion-hardened surfaces employed at inner and outer load-bearing surfaces. Preferably, the orthopedic implant is a bipolar hip prosthetic device and system where a coating of oxidized zirconium is formed at the articulating, load-bearing surface of the acetabular component and at the articulating, load-bearing surface of the femoral head. The acetabular component has a polymeric cup, made from a bio-compatible material, such as UHMWPE.

Abstract: A biocompatible binary titanium-niobium (Ti—Nb) alloy having a low modulus and a high strength, and containing &agr;″ phase as a major phase is disclosed. The binary Ti—Nb alloy contains 10-30 wt % of Nb, preferably 13-28 wt % of Nb, and the balance titanium, which is suitable for making a medical implant such as an orthopedic implant or dental implant.

Abstract: A medical implant or device comprising at least one component at least partially fabricated from an alloy having a composition represented by the general formula Xa Mb Alc, where X is Zr or Hf, M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Ti and Cu, and a, b and c are, in atomic percentages, 25<a<85, 5<b<70 and 0<c<35, the alloy comprising an amorphous phase as a volume fraction of at least 50%.

Abstract: An implant and a process of modifying an implant surface, which implant is in particular a hip implant, a tooth implant, a bone screw, fixation pin or a fixation nail (pin-fixation), comprising a metallic base body (1), which implant has a surface modified by a tantalum or niobium, for the formation of a surface modification (4) where at least the tissue-friendly metal is alloyed with the surface and constitutes a uniform, diffusion-tight outer zone (2) on the body (1), which outer zone (2) has a higher ductility than the metallic base body (1) in order to obtain a tissue-friendly implant with increased fatigue strength.

Abstract: The invention relates to an osteophilic implant having improved osteointegration characteristics. The implant consists of titanium or a titanium alloy and is suitable for the implantation in bones. The implant is provided with a rouge, hydroxylated and hydrophilic surface which is at least sealed in a gastight and liquidtight covering. The interior of said covering is provided with an inert atmosphere, preferably consisting of nitrogen, oxygen and/or inert gas and/or is at least partially filled with purified water which optionally contains additives. The invention also relates to a method for producing the same.

Abstract: An implant element for permanent anchorage in bone tissue in which at least the surface is intended to face the tissue in the implantation region. The element is made of titanium with a titanium oxide surface which has been modified by anodization to acquire oxide thickness of approximately 10-200 nm. Also acquired are an increased surface crystallinity and a roughness on the submicrometer scale in order to provide a high-degree of bone-to-implant contact.

Abstract: A design for a self-expanding intervertebral device is described for use in spinal stabilization. The device is designed to be collapsed into a smaller form for ease of implantation and then re-expand to a larger, final size in order to first distract and then maintain this distraction rigidly once implanted. In all forms of the device, the key design element comprises angled or rounded internal structural members to allow ease of initial deformation. Other key features include no mechanically moving parts, implant is a single piece device, and the device contains a cavity for placement of suitable additional material to augment structural strength or promote bone fusion. The device design is applicable to devices designed for placement between adjacent vertebral endplates or longer (taller) constructs spanning non-adjacent endplates.

Abstract: A prosthetic device having at least part of its surface comprising a diffusion-hardened, in-situ formed oxidation or nitridation layer and with at least another part of its surface comprising a coating of bioceramic, preferably hydroxyapatite. The bone in-growth and on-growth promoting bioceramic further works synergistically with the diffusion-hardened surface in realizing a longer service life prosthetic.

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: The invention relates to a hollow rasp for preparing a tubular bone in which a post-shaped endoprosthesis is inserted. A manipulating instrument can be proximally coupled to the rasp. The rasp comprises a metal grid network and a plurality of metal rasp elements. The metal rasp elements are studded at least at junctions of the metal grid network and are an integral part of a material forming the grid network.

Abstract: Articulating diamond-surfaced spinal implants are disclosed. Materials which may be used to make the spinal implants and manufacturing and finishing techniques for making the implants are also disclosed.

Abstract: A ceramic-metal composite articulation is provided with substantial elimination of wear debris, wherein a ceramic material is provided with superior mechanical properties tailored for articulating with ceramic articulations having high flexural strength (greater than about 700 MPa), high fracture toughness (greater than about 7 MPam1/2) and a high Weibull modulus (greater than about 20), in comparison with presently available bio-ceramics such as alumina or zirconia. The mechanical property enhancement enables ceramic materials with greater reliability and significantly reduced in-vivo fracture risk to be obtained. Preliminary in-vitro wear performance, to several million cycles using established test protocols, of head/cup components in a prosthetic hip joint made from these ceramics also demonstrates the ultra low wear characteristics.

Abstract: An artificial joint assembly that contains a first member of bone and, attached to the first member, a second member that contains shape memory material; the second member is located, at least in part, within the first member.

Abstract: An orthopedic surgical implant of one or more components having a surface which is to be contacted by body tissue and/or fluid. The surface contains an inorganic antimicrobial agent either incorporated in the material forming a component having the surface or incorporated in a coating, such as of the adhesive or powder spray type, applied to the surface.

Abstract: Expandable implants for intervertebral disc repair, and methods and apparatuses for delivering the same into the disc. The present implants can also be used for repair of bone fractures. The implants generally comprise a compressed form having a size adapted for insertion into a defect in the intervertebral disc, and a composition that allows the implant to expand from the compressed form into an expanded form after the implant is inserted into the defect. The expanded form of the implant has a configuration that fills the defect in the disc. The defect in the disc can be an annular defect that resulted from repair of a herniation of the disc, or a nucleus that needs to be repaired. The composition used to make the implant can comprise a shape memory alloy (SMA) or any other suitable material.

Abstract: A strong, porous article useful as a bone substitute material. The article comprises a continuous strong framework structure having struts defining interstices which interconnect throughout the bulk volume, and may have ceramic or osteoconductive material occupying at least a portion of the same bulk volume as the framework structure. Either as a coating on the strong framework struts or between the framework struts and the ceramic or osteoconductive-osteoinductive materials is a resilient material which serves to distribute stresses within the article.

Abstract: An artificial bone prosthesis for use in animals which replaces the portion of a bone lost as a result of disease, damage, or surgical removal. Because the life span of animals recovering from bone cancer and other bone diseases is very short, the bone prostheses used in bone replacement surgery in these animals do not have to allow for tissue or bone ingrowth, unlike similar prostheses used in humans. As such, the prosthesis of the present invention has a simple, unique shape that can be made of a conventional artificial material such as stainless steel. This makes the prosthesis relatively inexpensive and eliminates the problems arising in conventional natural bone transplants such as tissue rejection and bacterial infection.