Implant coatings

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Titanium-nitride coatings on orthopaedic implants - Orthopaedic Product News

Authors from The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, discuss their two published studies examining retrieved hip implants manufactured with ceramic coatings

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Conclusion

The use of titanium-nitride ceramic coatings on CoCr bearing surfaces can create a hard biocompatible layer, minimising wear against polyethylene components. Indeed, there are several coated implant designs that demonstrate good medium to long-term clinical success (their advantage over not coating is still unclear). These coatings also enable patients with metal allergy, in particular to nickel, to be able to safely use these implants. Retrieval data does show however that coating loss can occur during use in patients, which can adversely impact function and require revision surgery. Further enhancements of this coating technology and its application methods are necessary to fully optimise their clinical use.