Joint replacement or joint resurfacing devices, systems and methods

Inventors

Khowaylo, Alex • Malayter, James • McCarthy, Michael P. • Washburn, David

Assignees

Penn State Research Foundation • Acuitive Technologies Inc

Abstract

Joint resurfacing and/or replacement devices, systems and methods that include thin film ternary ceramic coatings that are effective to provide reliable articulation and bearing surfaces and protection of both articular and modular junction surfaces from the potential for corrosion, wear, and fretting, and reduce the potential for release of metal ions from the joint systems. Isoelasticity is provided according to the particular joint resurfacing/replacement devices, systems and methods based on parameters that include material of construction, porosity and coating system. The thin film ternary ceramic coatings may be functionalized to enhance hydrophilicity and may be employed in any anatomical articulating joint region. Titanium alloy composite structures are provided that include an ultra-porous structured titanium alloy bone fixation surface and an opposed solid articular surface and a thin film ternary ceramic coating applied to one or both opposed surfaces.

Core Innovation

The invention relates to orthopedic joint replacement and joint resurfacing devices that include a modular junction having thin film, non-porous ternary ceramic coatings on articular surfaces and modular junctions. The coatings are described as thin film layers formed from titanium aluminum nitride, titanium carbon nitride, titanium niobium nitride, titanium silicon nitride, titanium zirconium nitride, titanium chromium nitride, and combinations thereof. The thin film, non-porous ternary ceramic is applied to at least one of first and second portions of a modular junction to provide a coated surface with improved performance.

The modular junction is configured from a first metallic element defining a first portion and a second metallic element defining a second portion configured and dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the first portion. The non-porous ternary ceramic thin film coating is effective to prevent wear, fretting, metal ion release, and galvanic and crevice corrosion at the coated surface. The coating concept is directed to reducing corrosive and degradation mechanisms associated with metal junctions in orthopedic applications.

The document further describes isoelastic titanium-alloy composite structures with ultra-porous bone fixation surfaces, together with solid articular sides for articulating interfaces. It also discloses functionalization of the orthopedic surfaces, including increased hydrophilicity, to improve lubricity and articular wear while promoting osteoblast activity and biologic fixation across anatomical joint regions. These coating and surface concepts are presented in the context of modular components used in orthopedic joint replacement and resurfacing.

Claims Coverage

The independent claim covers a modular orthopedic junction defined by two metallic elements and a thin film, non-porous ternary ceramic coating selected from specific Ti-based ceramic compounds, with the coating effective to prevent multiple degradation mechanisms. The inventive features include (i) the modular two-element metallic junction arrangement, (ii) the specific composition of the ternary ceramic thin film, and (iii) functional effectiveness for wear, fretting, metal ion release, and galvanic and crevice corrosion.

Overall claim coverage centers on a modular orthopedic junction that combines a two-metal receiving interface with a non-porous ternary ceramic thin film, with the coating composition limited to specified Ti-based ternary ceramics and the functional purpose limited to preventing wear, fretting, metal ion release, and galvanic and crevice corrosion.

Stated Advantages

Documented Applications