Metal ion release barrier function and biotribological evaluation of a zirconium nitride multilayer coated knee implant under highly demanding activities wear simulation

Total knee arthroplasty is a well established treatment for degenerative joint disease, which is also performed as a treatment in younger and middle-aged patients who have a significant physical activity and high life expectancy. However, complications may occur due to biological responses to wear particles, as well as local and systemic hypersensitivity reactions triggered by metal ions and particles such as cobalt, chromium and molybdenum. The purpose of the study was to perform a highly demanding activities (HDA) knee wear simulation in order to compare the wear characteristics and metal ion release barrier function of a zirconium nitride (ZrN) coated knee implant, designed for patients with suspected metal ion hypersensitivity, against an uncoated knee implant made out of CoCrMo.
Source: Journal of Biomechanics - Category: Biomedical Science Authors: Source Type: research