Patent ID: 8357205

Claim:
An orthopedic implant component comprising: a support member comprising a homogeneous metallic species composition; an interface layer bonded to the support member, the interface layer comprising: a first sub-layer comprising between about 5% and about 95% of a ceramic material and between about 95% and about 5% of a metal material by volume; a second sub-layer comprising between about 5% and about 95% of a ceramic material and between about 95% and about 5% of a metal material by volume; and a third sub-layer comprising between about 5% and about 95% of a ceramic material and between about 95% and about 5% of a metal material by volume; and, an outermost surface layer of a ceramic composition bonded to the interface layer opposite the support member, the ceramic composition comprised of a ceramic material and a metallic species, whereby the thickness of the ceramic composition layer ranges between about 200 microns and about 10 mm.