Industrial coatings used in the orthopaedic industry to reduce wear

Some of the findings from tests which look at the protection offered by surface coating both the metal and plastic surfaces of prostheses are described. It is indicated that minimum damage occurs to the metal element of the joint combination if a coating of diamond-like carbon coatings is applied at the optimum thickness. This is evidenced by the lack of transfer film observed by SEM examination and absence of scuffing marks on the surface. Nitrogen ion-implantation of the metal surface appears to have beneficial effect for potential use in total knee replacements for friction, wear, and reduction of general surface damage.