Textured Surfaces for Orthopedic Implants

Tech ID: 0274

Inventor: Dr. Steven Schmid

Date Added: August 22, 2019

Overview

0274

A textured surface design for orthopedic implants that improves entrainment of synovial fluid thereby reducing implant wear.

Technology Summary

Modern orthopedic implants have a useful life between 15 and 20 years, after this time they must normally be replaced. Replacement implants are more problematic than initial implants from a medical and rehabilitation standpoint, thus there is a great need to extend the life of initial implants.

Dr. Steven Schmid has developed an implant design that utilizes textured bearing surfaces to increase wear resistance of orthopedic implants. The design is based on concepts of unidirectional load application and the use of engineered surfaces increases the amount of synovial fluid at the bearing surface thereby reducing wear in the implant. The patented texture of the design improves the entrainment of synovial fluid. The bearing surface consists of a pattern of asperities constructed and arranged to encourage lubricant entrainment while the bearing surface is under minimal loading (swing phase of walking), and to restrict lubricant escape while the bearing surface is under increased loading (stance phase of walking). 

Market Advantages 

  • Textured surface improves entrainment of synovial fluid
  • Applicable to many types of orthopedic implants
  • Reduces wear and improves implant lifetime

Technology Readiness Status

TRL 4 - Lab Validation

Intellectual Property

US Patent 8,323,349 (Textured Surfaces For Orthopedic Implants)

Contact

Richard Cox

rcox4@nd.edu

574.631.5158