| abstract |
A metal implant for use in a surgical procedure is provided with a surface layer that is integral with the metal substrate, and which incorporates a biocidal material. The surface layer is grown by anodising at a voltage between 50 and 150 V, and the biocidal material incorporated in it by ion exchange. This produces a significantly harder surface than anodising at low voltage, and generates pits containing ion-absorbing material. |