A Novel Method For Solution Deposition of Hydroxyapatite on to Three Dimensionally Porous Metallic Surfaces: Peri-Apatite Ha

A method for applying HA coatings to metallic surfaces, without the use of high temperature plasma spraying, has been developed. The HA coating is precipitated in an aqueous solution under conditions similar to those occurring in the body during bone formation. This surface mineralization process results in a coating which is highly crystalline and 100% HA. Processing and characterization experimentation and results are included in the paper. The coating method has the ability to penetrate macroporous (> 100 micron pores) metal structures and coat the undersides and interior surfaces of the areas designed for bone ingrowth on orthopedic devices used for joint replacements. This ability to coat all around a surface is the basis for the name Peri-Apatite HA. Electron microscopy is presented illustrating the coverage and morphology of the coating. The Peri-Apatite HA coating is currently used on both knee joint replacement and hip joint replacement implants.