LAYERED, ADHESIVELY BONDED HYDROXYAPATITE COATINGS FOR ORTHOPEDIC IMPLANTS

A method of producing layered, adhesively bonded hydroxyapatite coatin gs is described, The coatings have a flexible polymeric interlayer whi ch can improve toad transfer from the implant to the bone, and a hydro xyapatite-rich surface which can provide mechanical interlocking with the bone. The coatings have been characterized using a number of metho ds including optical and electron microscopy, mechanical testing and f inite element analysis. Some ways in which the coatings could be used to produce orthopaedic implants with improved mechanical and biologica l compatibility are discussed.