| abstract |
An implant with a metal structure for use in a surgical procedure, in which at a region of the implant to be in contact with bone the metal structure is provided with a roughened surface. The roughened region is then provided with a ceramic coating comprising hydroxyapatite by a thermal spraying process. Biocidal ions of silver are absorbed into the ceramic coating, and gradually leach out into body fluids after implantation. The hydroxyapatite enhances bone regrowth into the implant, while the silver ions suppress infection. |