Patent ID: 6514289
Filing Date: 2003-02-04
Classification: A61B,A61F,A61L,B22F

Abstract:
An articulation surface for use in a prosthetic joint, the articulation surface comprising:a polycrystalline diamond compact, a substrate, solvent-catalyst metal present in said substrate, a diamond table sintered under heat and pressure to said substrate in order to form said polycrystalline diamond compact, diamond crystals in said diamond table, chemical bonds between diamond crystals in said diamond table, a crystalline diamond structure in said diamond table, interstitial spaces located in said diamond table, solvent-catalyst metal located in at least some of said interstitial spaces in said diamond table, a gradient transition zone at the interface of said diamond table and said substrate, chemical bonds between said substrate and said diamond which tend to secure said diamond table to said substrate, at least some of said chemical bonds being located in said gradient transition zone, a non-planar load bearing and articulation surface, said load bearing and articulation surface being formed at least in part from diamond of said diamond table, and said load bearing and articulation surface presenting a smooth and durable surface for articulation in a joint.