Hip implant system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hip joint implant system (1) comprising a prosthetic acetabular cup (10) and a prosthetic acetabular liner (20) comprising or consisting of a metal or alloy, the prosthetic acetabular liner (20) being at least partially coated with a ceramic coating (50).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a hip implant system. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, hip implant systems have become routinely used to replace damaged or weakened hip joints. In addition to the artificial acetabular cup, the corresponding hip implant system typically includes an artificial acetabular liner, made of, for example, plastic, ceramic, or a metal alloy, which can be inserted directly into the artificial acetabular cup. Metallic acetabular liners are often made of metal alloys containing cobalt and / or chromium. A prosthetic femoral liner can also be provided, which can be inserted directly into the artificial acetabular liner, and optionally, a prosthetic femoral head can be inserted into the femoral liner, with or without a prosthetic femoral stem.

[0003] After implantation of a hip joint implant system, micro-motions often occur between the artificial acetabular cup and the artificial acetabular liner due to dynamic loading. These micro-motions can cause frictional corrosion, or so-called fretting, which can lead to the release of cobalt and / or chromium ions into the surrounding patient tissues in the case of artificial acetabular liners made of metal alloys containing cobalt and / or chromium. Furthermore, cobalt and / or chromium ions are generally released by wear of the acetabular liner. The release of cobalt and / or chromium ions in vivo can lead to allergic and / or toxic tissue reactions, resulting in an increased risk of surgical revision. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a hip joint implant system which partially or completely avoids the drawbacks described in the introduction in relation to hip joint implant systems of the general type and in particular reduces or completely prevents the release in vivo of cobalt and / or chromium ions.

[0005] This object is achieved according to the invention by a hip implant system having the features of independent claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the hip implant system are the subject of the dependent claims and the description, the language of all claims being expressly incorporated into the content of this description by reference.

[0006] The present invention relates to a hip implant system.

[0007] The hip implant system includes a prosthetic acetabular cup and a prosthetic acetabular liner. The prosthetic acetabular liner comprises or consists of a metal or alloy, preferably an alloy containing cobalt and / or chromium. Advantageously, the prosthetic acetabular liner can be inserted into the prosthetic acetabular cup.

[0008] The hip implant system according to the invention is distinguished in particular in that the artificial acetabular liner is at least partially, in particular only partially or completely coated with a ceramic coating.

[0009] The term "hip implant system" is intended in the context of the present invention to mean a set of individual components which can be assembled or combined in particular modularly to form a hip implant for replacing or partially replacing a natural hip joint, in particular during a surgical intervention. This set comprises as components at least one artificial acetabular cup according to the invention and an artificial acetabular liner according to the invention. This set may additionally comprise further components, in particular as described in more detail below.

[0010] The term "ceramic coating" is intended in the context of the present invention to mean a coating which comprises or consists of a ceramic, in particular a hard ceramic.

[0011] The present invention is based in particular on the surprising discovery that the in vivo release of health-harmful metal ions, in particular cobalt and / or chromium ions, at adjacent surfaces of modularly joined hip implant components can be (significantly) reduced or even completely avoided by at least partial coating with ceramic material.

[0012] In this way, the risk of post-operative complications, especially in the form of allergic or toxic reactions, and therefore the risk of surgical reintervention, can be reduced or even completely eliminated.

[0013] Preferably, the prosthetic acetabular cup comprises an at least partially, in particular only partially or completely concave receiving area for receiving the prosthetic acetabular liner. The at least partially concave receiving area preferably comprises an at least partially, in particular only partially or completely concave inner surface of the prosthetic acetabular cup.

[0014] Particularly preferably, the receiving area is configured at least partially concavely and is defined by an at least partially concave inner surface of the prosthetic acetabular cup and a circumferential edge bordering the at least partially concave inner surface.Particularly preferably, the prosthetic acetabular cup is configured at least partially, in particular only partially or completely in the form of a shell segment, in particular in the form of a spherical shell segment.Preferably, the prosthetic acetabular cup has an at least partially, in particular only partially or completely convex outer surface and an at least partially, in particular only partially or completely concave inner surface, each of which is bounded by a circumferential edge of the prosthetic acetabular cup.

[0015] Alternatively, the prosthetic acetabular cup preferably comprises a receiving area that is at least partially, in particular only partially, or completely conically or frustoconically configured for receiving the prosthetic acetabular liner. The at least partially conically or frustoconically configured receiving area preferably comprises an at least partially, in particular only partially, or completely conically or frustoconically configured inner surface of the prosthetic acetabular cup. Particularly preferably, the at least partially conically or frustoconically configured receiving area is defined or formed by the at least partially conically or frustoconically configured inner surface of the prosthetic acetabular cup and by a circumferential edge that bounds the at least partially conically or frustoconically configured inner surface. Preferably, the prosthetic acetabular cup comprises an at least partially, in particular only partially, or completely conical or frustoconical outer surface and an at least partially, in particular only partially, or completely conical or frustoconical inner surface, each of which is bounded by a circumferential edge of the prosthetic acetabular cup.

[0016] The prosthetic acetabular cup preferably comprises or preferably consists of a biocompatible metal. The metal may in particular be titanium. Furthermore, it may be preferable for the prosthetic acetabular cup to be at least partially, in particular only partially, or completely coated on its outer surface, in particular one of the outer surfaces mentioned in the previous paragraph, with a porous coating comprising or consisting of titanium and / or a titanium alloy and / or hydroxyapatite. In this way, improved osseointegration, in particular secondary stability of the prosthetic acetabular cup, can be advantageously achieved. Alternatively, or in combination, the outer surface of the prosthetic acetabular cup may be configured with a macrostructure, for example, dentate projections. A correspondingly configured acetabular cup can advantageously generate high clamping and friction forces in vivo, ensuring sufficient primary stability of the prosthetic acetabular cup.

[0017] Preferably, the acetabular prosthesis comprises a receiving area configured to be at least partially, in particular only partially or completely concave for receiving the femoral prosthesis. The at least partially concave receiving area preferably comprises an inner surface / articular or sliding surface of the acetabular prosthesis, which is at least partially, in particular only partially or completely concave.

[0018] Particularly preferably, the receiving area configured at least partially concave is defined or formed by an at least partially concave inner surface / articular or sliding surface and by a circumferential edge of the acetabular prosthesis, which bounds the at least partially concave inner surface / articular or sliding surface.Particularly preferably, the acetabular prosthesis is configured at least partially, in particular only partially, or completely in the form of a shell segment, in particular in the form of a spherical shell segment.Preferably, the acetabular prosthesis has an outer surface that is at least partially, in particular only partially, or completely convex, and an inner surface / articular or sliding surface that is at least partially, in particular only partially, or completely concave, each bounded by a circumferential edge of the acetabular prosthesis.

[0019] Particularly preferably, the prosthetic acetabular liner has a convex contour that is complementary to the concavely configured receiving area of ​​the prosthetic acetabular cup.

[0020] Alternatively, the prosthetic acetabular liner preferably comprises a receiving area configured at least partially, in particular only partially, or completely conical or frustoconical to receive the prosthetic femoral liner. The at least partially conical or frustoconical receiving area preferably comprises an inner surface / articular or sliding surface of the prosthetic acetabular liner that is at least partially, in particular only partially, or completely conical or frustoconical. Particularly preferably, the at least partially conical or frustoconical receiving area is defined or formed by the at least partially conical or frustoconical inner surface / articular or sliding surface and by a circumferential edge of the prosthetic acetabular liner that bounds the at least partially concave inner surface / articular or sliding surface. Preferably, the prosthetic acetabular liner comprises an outer surface that is at least partially, in particular only partially, or completely conical or frustoconical and an inner surface / articular or sliding surface that is at least partially, in particular only partially, or completely conical or frustoconical, each of which is bounded by a circumferential edge of the prosthetic acetabular liner. Preferably, the prosthetic acetabular liner has a conical or frustoconical outer shape that is complementary to the receiving area of ​​the prosthetic acetabular cup, which is configured conically or frustoconically.

[0021] In a further embodiment of the invention, only the outer surface of the prosthetic acetabular liner, in particular only the convex, conical or frustoconical outer surface, is at least partially, in particular only partially or completely coated with a ceramic coating.

[0022] In a further embodiment of the invention, only the inner surface of the prosthetic acetabular liner, in particular the concave, conical or frustoconical inner surface, is at least partially, in particular only partially or completely coated with a ceramic coating.

[0023] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the prosthetic acetabular liner is completely coated with a ceramic coating.

[0024] In a further embodiment of the invention, the ceramic coating is made up of several layers, in other words, in a further embodiment of the invention, the ceramic coating is formed as a multi-layer system.

[0025] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the ceramic coating comprises at least one non-oxide ceramic, or the ceramic coating consists of at least one non-oxide ceramic. The at least one non-oxide ceramic is preferably selected from the group consisting of chromium nitride (CrN), chromium carbonitride (CrCN), chromium zirconium nitride (CrZrN), and zirconium nitride (ZrN). Preferably, the ceramic coating comprises, in particular exclusively, chromium nitride and chromium carbonitride. More preferably, the ceramic coating comprises, in particular exclusively, chromium nitride, chromium carbonitride, and zirconium nitride. In particular, the ceramic coating may be free of chromium zirconium nitride. Particularly preferably, the ceramic coating comprises, in particular exclusively, chromium nitride, chromium carbonitride, chromium zirconium nitride, and zirconium nitride.

[0026] The ceramic coating preferably comprises at least one chromium nitride layer (CrN layer), in particular one (only) chromium nitride layer, two chromium nitride layers, or three chromium nitride layers. Alternatively or in combination, the ceramic coating preferably comprises at least one chromium carbonitride layer (CrCN layer), in particular one (only) chromium carbonitride layer or two chromium carbonitride layers. Alternatively or in combination, the ceramic coating preferably comprises at least one chromium zirconium nitride layer (CrZrN layer), in particular one (only) chromium zirconium nitride layer. Alternatively or in combination, the ceramic coating preferably comprises at least one zirconium nitride layer (ZrN layer), in particular one (only) zirconium nitride layer. In particular, the ceramic coating may consist of one or more of the aforementioned layers, or all of the aforementioned layers.

[0027] The term "chromium nitride layer" is intended in the context of the present invention to mean in particular a layer which comprises or consists of chromium nitride as the main component.

[0028] The term "chromium carbonitride layer" is intended in the context of the present invention to mean in particular a layer which comprises or consists of chromium carbonitride as the main component.

[0029] The term "chromium zirconium nitride layer" is intended in the context of the present invention to mean in particular a layer which comprises or consists of chromium zirconium nitride as the main component.

[0030] The term "zirconium nitride layer" is intended in the context of the present invention to mean in particular a layer which comprises or consists of zirconium nitride as the main component.

[0031] More preferably, the ceramic coating may include an alternating sequence (of chromium nitride and chromium carbonitride layers).

[0032] In a further embodiment of the invention, the ceramic coating comprises at least one chromium nitride layer (CrN layer), in particular one (only) chromium nitride layer, two chromium nitride layers or three chromium nitride layers, at least one chromium carbonitride layer (CrCN layer), in particular one (only) chromium carbonitride layer or two chromium carbonitride layers, at least one chromium zirconium nitride layer (CrZrN layer), in particular one (only) chromium zirconium nitride layer, and at least one zirconium nitride layer (ZrN layer), in particular one (only) zirconium nitride layer. In particular, the ceramic coating may consist of the aforementioned layers.

[0033] Alternatively, the ceramic coating may comprise at least one chromium nitride layer, in particular one (and only one), two or three chromium nitride layers, at least one chromium carbonitride layer, in particular one (and only one) chromium carbonitride layer or two chromium carbonitride layers, and at least one zirconium nitride layer, in particular one (and only one) zirconium nitride layer. In particular, the ceramic coating may consist of the aforementioned layers.

[0034] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the ceramic coating comprises three chromium nitride layers, two chromium carbonitride layers, one or only one chromium zirconium nitride layer, and one or only one zirconium nitride layer. Preferably, the chromium nitride layers and chromium carbonitride layers are arranged alternately one on top of the other. In particular, the ceramic coating may consist of the aforementioned layers.

[0035] Alternatively, the ceramic coating may comprise three chromium nitride layers, two chromium carbonitride layers, and one, i.e., only one, zirconium nitride layer. Preferably, the chromium nitride layers and chromium carbonitride layers are arranged alternately one on top of the other. In particular, the ceramic coating may consist of the aforementioned layers.

[0036] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the ceramic coating is formed as a multi-layer or multi-story layer system in which a first chromium nitride layer is covered or coated, preferably directly, by a first chromium carbonitride layer, which is covered or coated, preferably directly, by a second chromium nitride layer, which is covered or coated, preferably directly, by a second chromium carbonitride layer, which is covered or coated, preferably directly, by a third chromium nitride layer, which is covered or coated, preferably directly, by a chromium zirconium nitride layer, which is covered or coated, preferably directly, by a zirconium nitride layer. Preferably, the first chromium nitride layer is formed directly on the surface of the artificial acetabular liner, in particular on the convex, conical or frustoconical outer / gliding surface and / or the concave, conical or frustoconical inner / gliding surface.

[0037] Alternatively, the ceramic coating may be formed as a multi-layer or multi-story layer system in which a first chromium nitride layer is covered or coated, preferably directly, by a first chromium carbonitride layer, which is covered or coated, preferably directly, by a second chromium nitride layer, which is covered or coated, preferably directly, by a second chromium carbonitride layer, which is covered or coated, preferably directly, by a third chromium nitride layer, which is covered or coated, preferably directly, by a zirconium nitride layer. Preferably, the first chromium nitride layer is formed directly on the surface of the artificial acetabular liner, in particular on the convex, conical or frustoconical outer surface / gliding surface and / or the concave, conical or frustoconical inner surface / gliding surface.

[0038] In a further embodiment of the invention, the zirconium nitride layer forms the outer closing or covering layer of the ceramic coating. Preferably, the closing or covering layer is formed directly on the chromium nitride, chromium carbonitride, or chromium zirconium nitride layer.

[0039] The advantages of the present invention are particularly pronounced with the non-oxide ceramic coatings described in the preceding paragraphs. It is further advantageous that the non-oxide ceramic coatings described in the preceding paragraphs exhibit high wear resistance and therefore particularly good adhesion, especially in the case of artificial acetabular liners made of alloys containing cobalt and / or chromium.

[0040] Alternatively, the ceramic coating may comprise or consist of at least one oxide ceramic. The at least one oxide ceramic is preferably selected from the group consisting of aluminum oxide (Al2O3), zirconium dioxide (ZrO2), titanium dioxide (TiO2), and chromium(III) oxide (Cr2O3). The aluminum oxide is preferably aluminum oxide of the corundum type. The zirconium dioxide is preferably zirconium dioxide of the baddeleyite type. The titanium dioxide is preferably titanium dioxide of the rutile type. The chromium(III) oxide is preferably chromium(III) oxide of the corundum type.

[0041] The ceramic coating described in the preceding paragraph may be applied to the prosthetic acetabular liner by, for example, physical vapor deposition (PVD).

[0042] In a further embodiment of the invention, the ceramic coating, in particular one of the chromium nitride layers, in particular the first chromium nitride layer, is formed directly, i.e. immediately on, the surface of the artificial acetabular liner, in particular on the convex, conical or frustoconical outer surface and / or the concave, conical or frustoconical inner surface / articular or sliding surface.

[0043] Alternatively, an intermediate layer, particularly made of a metal, alloy, or ceramic, may be formed between the ceramic coating and the prosthetic acetabular liner, i.e., between the ceramic coating and the surface, particularly between the convex, conical, or frustoconical outer / gliding surface and / or the concave, conical, or frustoconical inner / gliding surface of the prosthetic acetabular liner. The metal may be, for example, niobium, tantalum, or zirconium. The alloy may be, for example, a zirconium alloy or a niobium alloy. The ceramic may be, for example, a ceramic containing zirconium, particularly in elemental and / or metallic form.

[0044] In a further embodiment of the invention, the ceramic coating has a thickness of 0.5 μm to 10 μm, in particular 1.5 μm to 7 μm, preferably 2.5 μm to 5 μm, particularly preferably 3 μm to 4 μm. In particular, the coating thicknesses disclosed in this paragraph allow for an additional increase in the in vivo barrier against the release of cobalt and / or chromium ions, without the (significant) risk that the ceramic coating will separate from the artificial acetabular liner due to its layer thickness.

[0045] In a further embodiment of the invention, the inner surface, in particular the concave, conical or frustoconical inner surface, of an acetabular liner prosthesis, in particular as described in the previous paragraph, has a surface roughness Ra (meaning the average roughness value measured in accordance with DIN EN ISO 4287) of ≦0.5 μm, preferably ≦0.05 μm, and / or the outer surface, in particular the concave, conical or frustoconical outer surface of an acetabular liner prosthesis, in particular as described in the previous paragraph, has a surface roughness Ra (meaning the average roughness value measured in accordance with DIN EN ISO 4287) of ≦1 μm, preferably ≦0.6 μm. In particular, by means of the surface roughnesses disclosed in this paragraph, a particularly advantageous connection between the surfaces of the acetabular liner prosthesis and the acetabular cup prosthesis and / or the connection between the surfaces of the acetabular liner prosthesis and the femoral prosthesis can be achieved. Furthermore, in particular the surface roughness disclosed in this paragraph reduces the risk of the ceramic coating separating from the artificial acetabular liner and further has the advantage of less wear in the event of micro-movements of the artificial acetabular liner and / or artificial acetabular cup and / or artificial femoral liner.

[0046] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the artificial acetabular liner, particularly in its uncoated state, i.e., without a ceramic coating, has a thickness, particularly a wall thickness, of 2 mm to 3 mm. The thicknesses, particularly wall thicknesses, disclosed in this paragraph have the advantage of allowing the artificial acetabular liner to be flexible, particularly to have an elastic configuration. Furthermore, after bonding the artificial acetabular liner to the artificial acetabular cup, the artificial acetabular liner and the artificial acetabular cup advantageously allow for higher contact stresses, so that the risk of micro-movements of the artificial acetabular liner and / or the artificial acetabular cup, and therefore the risk of frictional corrosion, can be further reduced.

[0047] In a further configuration of the present invention, the artificial acetabular liner has a cone angle θ of 15° to 25°, in particular 16° to 21°. The term "cone angle" in this case is intended to mean the angle between the axis of symmetry (central axis) and the conical outer surface of the acetabular liner. In particular, the cone angle disclosed in this paragraph can generate a high clamping force between the artificial acetabular liner and the artificial acetabular cup, thereby reducing the risk of relative movement between the artificial acetabular liner and the artificial acetabular cup and, therefore, the risk of undesired metal ion release, in particular cobalt and / or chromium ion release.

[0048] In a further embodiment of the invention, the assembled or joined prosthetic acetabular liner and prosthetic acetabular cup are connected to one another by a force fit or a friction fit. Preferably, the assembled or joined prosthetic acetabular liner and prosthetic acetabular cup are clamped together, preferably conically clamped together. Particularly preferably, the assembled or joined prosthetic acetabular liner and prosthetic acetabular cup are clamped together by a conical or frustoconical outer surface of the prosthetic acetabular liner and a complementary conical or frustoconical inner surface of the prosthetic acetabular cup.

[0049] In a further embodiment of the invention, the alloy is a cobalt- and / or chromium-containing alloy, in particular a cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy. The cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy may have a cobalt mass fraction of 62% to 66%, a chromium mass fraction of 27% to 31%, and a molybdenum mass fraction of 4% to 5%. The cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy may further contain carbon and / or silicon and / or manganese and / or iron, especially in small amounts and / or as impurities.

[0050] In a further embodiment of the invention, the hip implant system further comprises a prosthetic femoral liner, which can be advantageously inserted into the prosthetic acetabular liner, and the prosthetic acetabular liner and the prosthetic femoral liner preferably form a ball-and-socket joint when joined or attached, especially after the prosthetic acetabular liner has been inserted into the prosthetic femoral liner.

[0051] The femoral liner prosthesis preferably comprises an at least partially, in particular only partially or completely concave receiving area for receiving the femoral head prosthesis. The at least partially concave receiving area preferably comprises an at least partially, in particular only partially or completely concave inner surface / articular or sliding surface of the femoral liner prosthesis. Particularly preferably, the at least partially concave receiving area is defined or formed by the at least partially concave inner surface / articular or sliding surface of the femoral liner prosthesis and by a circumferential edge that bounds the at least partially concave inner surface / articular or sliding surface.

[0052] The femoral prosthesis is preferably configured at least partially, in particular only partially, or completely in the form of a shell segment, in particular in the form of a spherical shell segment. Preferably, the femoral prosthesis has an at least partially, in particular only partially, or completely convex outer surface / articular surface or smooth surface and an at least partially, in particular only partially, or completely concave inner surface / articular surface or smooth surface, each of which is bounded by a circumferential edge of the femoral prosthesis. Particularly preferably, the femoral prosthesis has a convex outer shape complementary to the concavely configured receiving area of ​​the acetabular prosthesis.

[0053] Alternatively, the femoral prosthesis preferably comprises a receiving area for receiving the femoral head prosthesis, which is at least partially, in particular only partially, or completely conically or frustoconically configured. The at least partially conically or frustoconically configured receiving area preferably comprises an inner surface / articular surface or sliding surface of the femoral prosthesis, which is preferably at least partially, in particular only partially, or completely conically or frustoconically configured. Particularly preferably, the at least partially conically or frustoconically configured receiving area is defined or formed by the at least partially conical or frustoconical inner surface / articular surface or sliding surface of the femoral prosthesis and by a circumferential edge that bounds the at least partially concave inner surface / articular surface or sliding surface. Preferably, the femoral prosthesis comprises an outer surface / articular surface or sliding surface that is at least partially, in particular only partially, or completely conical or frustoconical and an inner surface / articular surface or sliding surface that is at least partially, in particular only partially, or completely conical or frustoconical, each of which is bounded by the circumferential edge of the femoral prosthesis. Particularly preferably, the femoral liner prosthesis has a conical or frustoconical outer shape that is complementary to the conically or frustoconically configured receiving area of ​​the acetabular liner prosthesis.

[0054] Preferably, the prosthetic femoral liner comprises, in particular exclusively, a plastic, preferably polyethylene, in particular ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, and optionally an antioxidant, in particular vitamin E.

[0055] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the hip joint implant system further comprises a femoral prosthesis, with or without a femoral stem prosthesis. Advantageously, the femoral prosthesis can be inserted into a femoral liner prosthesis. Preferably, the femoral liner prosthesis and the femoral head form a ball-and-socket joint when combined or attached, especially after the femoral head prosthesis is inserted into the femoral liner prosthesis. Preferably, the femoral liner prosthesis has an insertion opening that is smaller than the outer dimensions of the femoral head prosthesis. In other words, the insertion opening of the femoral liner prosthesis is preferably smaller than the maximum distance between two points on the outer / gliding surface of the femoral head prosthesis, especially if the outer / gliding surface is convex, conical, or frustoconical. Preferably, the femoral liner prosthesis and the femoral head prosthesis therefore form a ball-and-socket joint when combined or attached, especially after the femoral head prosthesis is inserted into the femoral liner prosthesis.

[0056] The femoral head prosthesis is preferably configured spherically or partly spherically. Preferably, the femoral head prosthesis comprises a receiving area for receiving a cylindrical or conical portion of the femoral stem prosthesis, in particular a receiving recess or depression, preferably in the form of a cylindrical or conical receiving recess or depression. The receiving area may have a circular or non-circular, in particular polygonal, for example quadrilateral, cross section.

[0057] Alternatively, the femoral head prosthesis may be configured at least partially, in particular only partially, or completely in the form of a shell segment, in particular in the form of a spherical shell segment. Preferably, the femoral head prosthesis has an outer surface / articular or sliding surface that is at least partially, in particular only partially, or completely convex, and an inner surface that is at least partially, in particular only partially, or completely concave, each of which is bounded by the circumferential edge of the femoral head prosthesis. Particularly preferably, the femoral head prosthesis has a convex outer shape that is complementary to the concavely configured receiving area of ​​the femoral liner prosthesis. Alternatively, the femoral head prosthesis preferably has a conical or frustoconical outer shape that is complementary to the conically or frustoconically configured receiving area of ​​the femoral liner prosthesis.

[0058] Additionally, the femoral head may include or consist of ceramic or plastic.

[0059] Further features and advantages of the invention can be found in the claims and the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention, presented in conjunction with the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0060] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic exploded view of an embodiment of a hip implant system according to the present invention; [Figure 2] 2 shows a schematic enlarged detail of the ceramic coating of the hip implant system according to the invention in area A of FIG. 1; [Figure 3] 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a hip implant system according to the present invention in an installed or implanted state; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0061] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a hip implant system 1 according to the invention.

[0062] The hip implant system 1 comprises an acetabular cup prosthesis 10 and an acetabular liner prosthesis 20 that can be inserted into the acetabular cup prosthesis 10. The hip implant system 1 may further comprise a femoral liner prosthesis 30, in particular a femoral head prosthesis 40.

[0063] The prosthetic acetabular cup 10 is preferably configured at least partially, in particular only partially or completely, in the form of a spherical shell segment. Preferably, the prosthetic acetabular cup 10 comprises an at least partially convex outer surface 12 and an at least partially concave inner surface 14, bounded by circumferential edges 16, 17, respectively, of the prosthetic acetabular cup 10. In this case, the at least partially concave inner surface 14 and the circumferential edge 16 form an at least partially concavely configured receiving area 18 for the prosthetic acetabular liner 20.

[0064] The prosthetic acetabular cup 10 is preferably made of a biocompatible metal, such as titanium. To achieve sufficient osseointegration, especially secondary stability, an open-pore titanium or hydroxyapatite coating can be formed on the at least partially convex outer surface of the prosthetic acetabular cup 10.

[0065] The prosthetic acetabular liner 20 is likewise preferably configured at least partially, in particular only partially or completely, in the form of a spherical shell segment. Preferably, the prosthetic acetabular liner 20 comprises an at least partially convex outer surface 22 and an at least partially concave inner or sliding surface 24, which are bounded by circumferential edges 26, 27 of the prosthetic acetabular liner 20, respectively. In this case, the at least partially concave inner or sliding surface 24 and the circumferential edge 26 form an at least partially concavely configured receiving area 28 for the prosthetic femoral liner 30.

[0066] The at least partially convex outer surface 22 of the prosthetic acetabular liner 20 preferably has a surface roughness Ra of ≦1 μm, preferably ≦0.6 μm. In this way, the connection between the at least partially concave inner surface 14 and the at least partially convex outer surface 22 of the prosthetic acetabular cup 10 can be advantageously optimized.

[0067] The at least partially concave inner surface or sliding surface 24 of the acetabular prosthesis 20 preferably has a surface roughness Ra of ≦0.5 μm, preferably ≦0.05 μm. In this way, the connection between the outer surface or sliding surface of the femoral prosthesis 30 and the at least partially concave inner surface or sliding surface 24 can be particularly advantageously optimized.

[0068] Furthermore, the prosthetic acetabular liner 20 and the prosthetic acetabular cup 10 are clamped together in the attached state, preferably in a conical clamping manner.

[0069] The prosthetic acetabular liner 20 is made of an alloy containing cobalt and / or chromium, preferably a cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy.

[0070] The prosthetic acetabular liner 20 is at least partially, in particular only partially, or completely coated or provided with a ceramic coating 50. The ceramic coating preferably comprises chromium nitride (CrN), chromium carbonitride (CrCN), chromium zirconium nitride (CrZrN), and zirconium nitride (ZrN). In particular, the ceramic coating 50 may consist of the aforementioned ceramic materials.

[0071] Particularly preferably, the ceramic coating 50 comprises at least one chromium nitride layer (CrN layer), in particular one or more chromium nitride layers, for example two or three chromium nitride layers, and / or at least one chromium carbonitride layer (CrCN layer), in particular one or more chromium carbonitride layers, for example two chromium carbonitride layers, and / or at least one chromium zirconium nitride layer (CrZrN layer), in particular one or more chromium zirconium nitride layers, and / or at least one zirconium nitride layer (ZrN layer), in particular one or more zirconium nitride layers. The ceramic coating 50 may in particular consist of one or more of the aforementioned layers, or all of the aforementioned layers.

[0072] Preferably, the ceramic coating 50 has a thickness of 0.5 μm to 10 μm.

[0073] In its uncoated state, the prosthetic acetabular liner 20 may furthermore particularly have a wall thickness of 2 mm to 3 mm.

[0074] The ceramic coating 50 may advantageously reduce or completely prevent in vivo release of cobalt and / or chromium ions into surrounding patient tissue, thereby reducing the risk of post-operative complications, particularly in the form of infection. As a result, the risk of post-operative reintervention may be significantly reduced.

[0075] The femoral liner prosthesis 30 is likewise preferably configured at least partially, in particular only partially, or completely in the form of a spherical shell segment. Preferably, the femoral liner prosthesis 30 has an at least partially convex outer or running surface 32 and an at least partially concave inner or running surface 34, which are bounded by peripheral edges 36, 37 of the femoral liner prosthesis 30, respectively. In this case, the at least partially concave inner or running surface 34 and the peripheral edge 36 form a receiving area 38 configured partially concave for the femoral head prosthesis 40.

[0076] Preferably, the at least partially concave portion or sliding surface 24 of the artificial acetabular liner 20 and the at least partially convex outer surface or sliding surface 32 of the artificial femoral liner 30 form a ball-and-socket joint after implantation of the hip joint implant system 1.

[0077] The prosthetic femoral liner 30 is made of plastic, preferably polyethylene, especially ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, and optionally an antioxidant, which may be, for example, vitamin E.

[0078] The femoral head prosthesis 40 is preferably configured in the form of a spherical or partially spherical or (also) at least partially spherical shell segment. The femoral head prosthesis 40 comprises a receiving area 48 for receiving a femoral stem prosthesis, in particular for receiving a preferably cylindrical or conical portion of the femoral stem prosthesis. The receiving area 48 is preferably configured as a recess with a circular or non-circular cross section. For example, the recess can have a rectangular cross section.

[0079] Preferably, the at least partially concave inner or sliding surface 34 of the femoral liner prosthesis 30 and the at least partially convex outer or sliding surface 42 of the femoral head prosthesis 40 form a so-called ball-joint. Such a ball-joint is distinguished in that the at least partially convex outer or sliding surface 42 of the femoral head prosthesis 40 is gripped beyond its equator 43 by the at least partially concave inner or sliding surface 34 of the femoral liner prosthesis 30, thereby preventing these components of the hip implant system 1 from slipping off from one another.

[0080] FIG. 2 shows, in schematic form, an enlarged detail view of a preferred ceramic coating 50 according to the invention in region A of the at least partially convex outer surface 22 of the prosthetic acetabular liner 20 according to FIG.

[0081] The ceramic coating 50 is configured on the at least partially convex outer surface 22 of the prosthetic acetabular liner 20 as a multi-layer system having the following layer sequence:

[0082] At least a portion of the convex outer surface 22 is directly covered by a first chromium nitride layer 15a. The first chromium nitride layer 15a is directly covered by a first chromium carbonitride layer 15b. The first chromium carbonitride layer 15b is directly covered by a second chromium nitride layer 15c. The second chromium nitride layer 15c is directly covered by a second chromium carbonitride layer 15d. The second chromium carbonitride layer 15d is directly covered by a third chromium nitride layer 15e. The third chromium nitride layer 15e is directly covered by a chromium zirconium nitride layer 15f. The chromium zirconium nitride layer 15f is directly covered by a zirconium nitride layer 15g, which simultaneously constitutes a coating layer of the ceramic coating 50. Alternatively, the third chromium nitride layer 15e may be directly covered by a coating layer of zirconium nitride (not shown).

[0083] Alternatively, an intermediate layer of, for example, zirconium, a zirconium alloy, or a zirconium-containing ceramic may be formed between the prosthetic acetabular liner and the ceramic coating 50 (not shown).

[0084] FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the hip implant system 1 in an installed or implanted state.

[0085] The hip implant system comprises a prosthetic acetabular cup 10 , a prosthetic acetabular liner 20 , a prosthetic femoral liner 30 , a prosthetic femoral head 40 , and a prosthetic femoral stem 60 .

[0086] The artificial acetabular liner 20 is at least partially, in particular only partially or completely, coated with the ceramic coating 50. The artificial acetabular liner 20 may in particular have a cone angle θ of 15° to 25°, in particular 16° to 21°. Advantageously, therefore, a high clamping force can be generated between the artificial acetabular liner 20 and the artificial acetabular cup 10 in the coupled state.

[0087] The femoral stem prosthesis 60 is inserted into the femoral head prosthesis 40 by means of a cylindrical or conical portion 61 .

[0088] For further features and advantages of the hip implant system 1, and in particular the prosthetic acetabular cup 10, the prosthetic acetabular liner 20, the prosthetic femoral liner 30, the prosthetic femoral head 40, the ceramic coating 50, and the prosthetic femoral stem 60, reference is made in full to the description associated with Figures 1 and 2, which features and advantages also apply to the hip implant system 1 shown in Figure 3 insofar as they are described therein. The features of the technology disclosed in this specification are listed below. (Item 1) an artificial acetabular cup (10); a prosthetic acetabular liner (20) comprising or consisting of a metal or alloy; Equipped with A hip joint implant system (1), characterized in that the artificial acetabular liner (20) is at least partially coated with a ceramic coating (50). (Item 2) Item 1. A hip joint implant system (1) according to item 1, characterized in that only the outer surface (22) of the artificial acetabular liner (20), in particular the convex, conical or frustoconical outer surface, or only the inner surface (24) of the artificial acetabular liner (20), in particular the concave, conical or frustoconical inner surface, is at least partially coated with the ceramic coating (50). (Item 3) 2. The hip joint implant system (1) according to item 1, characterized in that the artificial acetabular liner (20) is completely coated with the ceramic coating (50). (Item 4) 4. Hip implant system (1) according to any one of items 1 to 3, characterized in that the ceramic coating (50) consists of several layers. (Item 5) 5. The hip implant system (1) according to any one of items 1 to 4, characterized in that the ceramic coating (50) comprises or consists of at least one non-oxide ceramic, said at least one non-oxide ceramic being preferably selected from the group consisting of chromium nitride, chromium carbonitride, chromium zirconium nitride and zirconium nitride. (Item 6) 6. The hip implant system (1) according to any one of items 1 to 5, characterized in that the ceramic coating (50) comprises at least one chromium nitride layer, at least one chromium carbonitride layer, at least one chromium zirconium nitride layer, and at least one zirconium nitride layer. (Item 7) 7. The hip implant system (1) according to any one of items 1 to 6, characterized in that the ceramic coating (50) comprises three chromium nitride layers, two chromium carbonitride layers, one chromium zirconium nitride layer and one zirconium nitride layer, or consists of all of these layers. (Item 8) 8. The hip joint implant system (1) according to any one of items 1 to 7, characterized in that the ceramic coating (50) is formed as a multi-layer system in which a first chromium nitride layer (15a) is covered by a first chromium carbonitride layer (15b), the first chromium carbonitride layer (15b) is covered by a second chromium nitride layer (15c), the second chromium nitride layer (15c) is covered by a second chromium carbonitride layer (15d), the second chromium carbonitride layer (15d) is covered by a third chromium nitride layer (15e), the third chromium nitride layer (15e) is covered by a chromium zirconium nitride layer (15f), and the chromium zirconium nitride layer (15f) is covered by a zirconium nitride layer (15g). (Item 9) 9. Hip implant system (1) according to item 7 or 8, characterized in that the zirconium nitride layer (15g) forms the outer covering layer of the ceramic coating. (Item 10) 10. The hip joint implant system (1) according to any one of items 1 to 9, in particular item 7 or 8, characterized in that the ceramic coating (50), in particular one of the chromium nitride layer or the first chromium nitride layer (15a), is formed directly on the artificial acetabular liner (20). (Item 11) 11. The hip joint implant system (1) according to any one of items 1 to 10, characterized in that the ceramic coating (50) has a thickness of 0.5 μm to 10 μm, in particular 1.5 μm to 7 μm, preferably 2.5 μm to 5 μm. (Item 12) 12. The hip joint implant system (1) according to any one of items 1 to 11, characterized in that the inner surface of the artificial acetabular liner (20) has a surface roughness of ≦0.5 μm, preferably ≦0.05 μm, and / or the outer surface of the artificial acetabular liner (20) has a surface roughness of ≦1 μm, preferably ≦0.6 μm, and / or the artificial acetabular liner (20) has a wall thickness of 2 mm to 3 mm, and / or the artificial acetabular liner (20) has a cone angle θ of 15° to 25°, in particular 16° to 21°. (Item 13) 13. The hip joint implant system (1) according to any one of items 1 to 12, characterized in that the artificial acetabular liner (20) and the artificial acetabular cup (10) in the combined state are connected to each other with a friction fit, in particular are conically clamped to each other. (Item 14) 14. Hip implant system (1) according to any one of items 1 to 13, characterized in that the alloy is a cobalt and / or chromium containing alloy, in particular a cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy. (Item 15) 15. The hip joint implant system (1) according to any one of items 1 to 14, characterized in that the hip joint implant system (1) further comprises a femoral liner (30) preferably comprising or consisting of polyethylene, preferably ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, and optionally an antioxidant, and / or a femoral head (40) with or without a femoral stem (60), in particular.

Claims

1. an artificial acetabular cup (10); a prosthetic acetabular liner (20) comprising or consisting of a metal or alloy; Equipped with the artificial acetabular liner (20) is at least partially coated with a ceramic coating (50); the ceramic coating comprises chromium nitride, chromium carbonitride, and zirconium nitride; A hip joint implant system (1) characterized in that the ceramic coating (50) is formed directly on the artificial acetabular liner (20).

2. 2. The hip joint implant system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that only the outer surface (22) of the artificial acetabular liner (20) or only the inner surface (24) of the artificial acetabular liner (20) is at least partially coated with the ceramic coating (50).

3. 2. The hip implant system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the entire artificial acetabular liner (20) is coated with the ceramic coating (50).

4. Hip implant system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the ceramic coating (50) consists of several layers.

5. 5. The hip implant system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the ceramic coating (50) comprises at least one chromium nitride layer, at least one chromium carbonitride layer, at least one chromium zirconium nitride layer, and at least one zirconium nitride layer.

6. 6. Hip implant system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the ceramic coating (50) comprises or consists of three chromium nitride layers, two chromium carbonitride layers, one chromium zirconium nitride layer and one zirconium nitride layer.

7. 7. The hip implant system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the ceramic coating (50) is formed as a multi-layer system in which a first chromium nitride layer (15a) is covered by a first chromium carbonitride layer (15b), which is covered by a second chromium nitride layer (15c), which is covered by a second chromium carbonitride layer (15d), which is covered by a third chromium nitride layer (15e), which is covered by a chromium zirconium nitride layer (15f), which is covered by a zirconium nitride layer (15g).

8. Hip implant system (1) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the zirconium nitride layer (15g) forms the outer covering layer of the ceramic coating.

9. 7. The hip implant system (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the chromium nitride layer is formed directly on the artificial acetabular liner (20).

10. 8. Hip implant system (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the first chromium nitride layer (15a) is formed directly on the artificial acetabular liner (20).

11. Hip implant system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that said ceramic coating (50) has a thickness of between 0.5 μm and 10 μm.

12. 12. The hip implant system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the inner surface of the artificial acetabular liner (20) has a surface roughness of ≦0.5 μm, and / or the outer surface of the artificial acetabular liner (20) has a surface roughness of ≦1 μm, and / or the artificial acetabular liner (20) has a wall thickness of 2 mm to 3 mm, and / or the artificial acetabular liner (20) has a cone angle θ of 15° to 25°.

13. 13. The hip implant system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the artificial acetabular liner (20) and the artificial acetabular cup (10) in the combined state are connected to each other with a friction fit.

14. Hip implant system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the alloy is an alloy containing cobalt and / or chromium.

15. 15. The hip implant system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the hip implant system (1) further comprises a femoral liner prosthesis (30) and a femoral head prosthesis (40).

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