PROSTHETIC DEVICES HAVING COATINGS OF SELECTED POROUS BIOENGINEERING THERMOPLASTICS

摘要

ABSTRACT OF THE INVENTIONProsthetic devices, such as orthopedic, dental andmaxillofacial prostheses, are provided which are composedof an inner load bearing, functional component and an outerfoamed or sintered porous coating of selected bioengineeringthermoplastics. The bioengineering thermoplastic coatingis provided in regions where long-term bone fixation is de-sired by tissue ingrowth. The coatings offer substantialbiomechanical advantages over any material system previouslyreported. Also provided, are anatomically shaped devicescomprised totally of bioengineering thermoplastics with selectporous areas; these devices include bone gap bridges, bonecaps, and alveolar ridge augmentation implants.