Surfaces, tribology

The interaction between the body and the material produces again and again undesired effects: implants that should have an ingrowth of bone do not show any osseointegration; temporary implants that should be as inert as possible are surrounded by bone. In severe cases one is confronted with secondary inflammations.

Wear particles affect the long-term use of artificial joints in the body and can provoke osteolysis. Furthermore, the metal ions from wear particles or from corrosion products, eluates and degradation products of polymers can cause inflammatory reactions which severely affect the prosthesis-tissue integration.

Question:
How can the implant surface be optimised in order to meet the selected requirements such as osseointegration, infection resistance, friction and / or wear?

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