Response by Dr. Lapaj to comment on Lapaj et al.: Retrieval analysis of titanium nitride (TiN) coated prosthetic femoral heads articulating with polyethylene

Łapaj, Łukasz; Wendland, Justyna; Markuszewski, Jacek; Mróz, Adrian; Wiśniewski, Tomasz

doi:10.1016/j.jmbbm.2016.04.026

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

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“…Niobium droplets are believed to be formed in a similar mechanism as a cross‐contamination from residues left in the chamber, while other batches of implants were coated with TiNbN (Łapaj et al, ). Nonetheless, the possibility of material transfer during implant polishing has also been raised (Fabry, ; Łapaj, Wendland, Markuszewski, Mróz, & Wiśniewski, ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In most heads no contamination was present and few defects were observed, as in the reference sample from the present study. However, coatings of some heads contained Nb droplets accompanied by multiple microscopic defects (Łapaj et al, ; Łapaj, Wendland, et al, ). The microscopic morphology of these coatings, mechanisms of their wear and degradation as well as quantities of defects estimated using computer image analysis were comparable to those observed in our retrievals (Łapaj et al, ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Retrieval analysis of TiN (titanium nitride) coated knee replacements: Coating wear and degradation in vivo

Łapaj

Rozwalka

2019

J Biomed Mater Res

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Introduction Titanium nitride (TiN) coatings are used in joint arthroplasty to minimize wear and reduce the allergenic potential of metal implants, yet little is known about their performance in knee arthroplasty. This retrieval study examined TiN coated knee replacements to verify in vivo wear and degradation of the coating. Materials and methods This study included total and unicompartmental mobile bearing knee replacements retrieved from five patients (eight components) after 13–21 months due to aseptic loosening or infection. Implants were examined using scanning (SEM) and optical microscopy, surface damage was assessed using a semiquantitative scoring system, adhesion was determined using indentation technique testing, surface roughness was measured using contact profilometry. Results Although good coating adhesion and no gross failure were observed on all retrievals, coating wear and roughening were evident on tibial bearing surfaces. Multiple microscopic defects (pinholes, craters, titanium droplets) were observed on all samples in SEM studies. Microscopic wear scars indicated that particulate defects significantly contributed to coating wear, acting as third bodies. Conclusion TiN coatings of knee replacements undergo wear and degradation related to presence of third bodies and microscopic defects on their surface. Since coating integrity may be compromised in vivo, such implants should be used with caution in metal sensitive patients.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%