Patent ID: 6105235
Filing Date: 2000-08-22
Classification: A61F,B29L,B33Y,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of forming an articulation component of an implantable bone prosthesis, such method comprising:forming a ceramic wear surface body comprising a wear surface of the implantable bone prosthesis, said wear surface being configured as a bearing surface for contacting and articulating relative to another surfaceforming a casting mold by a three-dimensional printing process about a region which contacts said wear surface body, andforming a metal skeletal structural support against the wear surface body by casting the skeletal support in said casting mold, wherein the step of forming said casting mold includes forming with a shape such that the metal skeletal structural support cast therein cools without stresses of contraction transmitting destructive shear forces to or fracturing the ceramic wear surface body, and such that the metal skeletal structural support is integrally affixed to and supports the wear surface body and said wear surface of said wear surface body is exposed to contact and articulate relative to said another surface.