Titanium-Nitride Coating of Orthopaedic Implants: A Review of the Literature

Abstract EN

Surfaces of medical implants can be enhanced with the favorable properties of titanium-nitride (TiN).

In a review of English medical literature, the effects of TiN-coating on orthopaedic implant material in preclinical studies were identified and the influence of these effects on the clinical outcome of TiN-coated orthopaedic implants was explored.

The TiN-coating has a positive effect on the biocompatibility and tribological properties of implant surfaces; however, there are several reports of third body wear due to delamination, increased ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene wear, and cohesive failure of the TiN-coating.

This might be due to the coating process.

The TiN-coating process should be optimized and standardized for titanium alloy articulating surfaces.

The clinical benefit of TiN-coating of CoCrMo knee implant surfaces should be further investigated.