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Method of surface oxidizing zirconium and zirconium alloys and resulting product

  • US 7,070,623 B2
  • Filed: 03/05/2003
  • Issued: 07/04/2006
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/27/1997
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A prosthesis for implantation in a patient, comprising:

  • (a) a prosthesis body formed of zirconium or zirconium alloy comprising an implant portion for inserting into the body tissue of the patient, at least a part of said zirconium or zirconium alloy having a single phase crystalline structure;

    (b) a bearing surface comprising at least one condyle on the prosthesis body;

    (c) a tibial component formed of an organic polymer or polymer based composite and adapted to cooperate with the bearing surface; and

    (d) a coating of blue-black or black oxidized zirconium of uniform thickness directly on the bearing surface of the condyle for reducing wear of the organic polymer or polymer-based composite component prepared by the process comprising the steps of altering the surface roughness of said zirconium or zirconium alloy having a single phase crystalline structure and uniform composition and subsequently oxidizing said zirconium or zirconium alloy.

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