| abstract |
The invention provides an interpositional coupler for inserting between modules of a modular medical implant, wherein the modules are fabricated of compositions having different electrochemical potentials, to reduce or prevent the flow of a galvanic current and thereby reducing or preventing this contribution to corrosion of the prosthesis. The coupler may be of an insulative type comprising a zirconium/zirconium alloy core coated with blue-black zirconium oxide or nitride or any metal coated with amorphous diamond-like carbon. Alternatively, the coupler may be of a dual composition type with each of the compositions having essentially the same electrochemical potential as the module to which it couples. |