BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to medical implants, and more particularly to prosthetic joints having conformal geometries and wear resistant properties.

[0002] Medical implants, such as knee, hip, and spine orthopedic replacement joints and other joints and implants have previously consisted primarily of a hard metal motion element that engages a polymer contact pad. This has usually been a high density high wear resistant polymer, for example Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE), or other resilient material. The problem with this type of configuration is the polymer eventually begins to degrade due to the caustic nature of blood, the high impact load, and high number of load cycles. As the resilient member degrades, pieces of polymer may be liberated into the joint area, often causing accelerated wear, implant damage, and tissue inflammation and harm.

[0003] It is desirable to employ a design using a hard member on a hard member (e.g. metals or ceramics), thus eliminating the polymer. Such a design is expected to have a longer service life. Extended implant life is important as it is now often required to revise or replace implants. Implant replacement is undesirable from a cost, inconvenience, patient health, and resource consumption standpoint.

[0004] Implants using two hard elements of conventional design will be, however, subject to rapid wear. First, a joint having one hard, rigid element on another will not be perfectly shaped to a nominal geometry. Such imperfections will result in points of high stress, thus causing localized wear. Furthermore, two hard elements would lack the resilient nature of a natural joint. Natural cartilage has a definite resilient property, absorbing shock and distributing periodic elevated loads. This in turn extends the life of a natural joint and reduces stress on neighboring support bone and tissue. If two rigid members are used, this ability to absorb the shock of an active lifestyle could be diminished. The rigid members would transmit the excessive shock to the implant to bone interface. Some cyclical load in these areas stimulates bone growth and strength; however, excessive loads or shock stress or impulse loading the bone-to-implant interface will result in localized bone mass loss, inflammation, and reduced support.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0005] These and other shortcomings of the prior art are addressed by the present invention, which provides a prosthetic joint having wear-resistant contacting surfaces with conformal properties.

[0006] According to one aspect of the invention, a prosthetic joint includes: (a) a first member comprising a rigid material and including a body having a cantilevered flange at a first end thereof, the first end of the body and the flange cooperatively defining a wear-resistant, concave first contact surface having a protruding rim and a recessed central portion; and (b) a second member comprising a rigid material with a wear-resistant, convex second contact surface; (c) where the first and second contact surfaces bear directly against each other so as to transfer axial and lateral loads from one of the members to the other, while allowing pivoting motion between the two members; and (d) wherein the flange is shaped so as to deform elastically and permit the first contact surface to conform to the second contact surface when the joint is placed under a predetermined load.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The invention may be best understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures in which:

[0008] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a resilient contact member constructed in accordance with the present invention;

[0009] Figure 2 is an enlarged view of the contact member of Figure 1 in contact with a mating joint member;

[0010] Figure 3 is a side view of a resilient contact member in contact with a mating joint member;

[0011] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a cup for an implant according to an alternate embodiment of the invention;

[0012] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of a portion of the cup of Figure 4;

[0013] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a finite element model of a joint member;

[0014] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of an implant joint including a flexible seal;

[0015] Figure 8 is an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 7; [0016] Figure 9 is a side view of a prosthetic joint constructed in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the prosthetic joint of Figure 9 in an unloaded condition;

[0018] Figure 1 1 is a cross-sectional view of one of the members of the prosthetic joint of Figure 9;

[0019] Figure 12 is an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 10;

[0020] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the prosthetic joint of Figure 9 in a loaded condition;

[0021] Figure 14 is an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 13;

[0022] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative joint member;

[0023] Figure 16 is an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 15;

[0024] Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of another alternative joint member;

[0025] Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of another alternative joint member including a filler material;

[0026] Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view of another alternative joint member including a wiper seal;

[0027] Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view of another alternative prosthetic joint;

[0028] Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of a prosthetic joint constructed in accordance with another aspect of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view of a prosthetic joint constructed in accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention; and

[0030] Figure 23 is a perspective view of a joint member having a grooved surface.

[0031] Figure 24 is a exploded perspective view of two mating joint members;

[0032] Figure 25 is a top plan view of one of the joint members shown in Figure 24; [0033] Figure 26 is a cross-sectional view of one of the joint members shown in Figure 24;

[0034] Figure 27 is a contact stress plot of the joint member shown in Figure 26; [0035] Figure 28 is a perspective view of a rigid joint member used for comparison purposes; [0036] Figure 29 is a cross-sectional view of the joint member shown in Figure 28; and [0037] Figure 30 is a contact stress plot of the joint member shown in Figure 29. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] The present invention provides a specialized implant contact interface (implant geometry). In this geometry, an implanted joint includes two typically hard (i.e. metal or ceramic) members; however, at least one of the members is formed such that it has the characteristics of a resilient member, such as: the ability to absorb an impact load; the ability to absorb high cycle loading; the ability to be self cleaning; and the ability to function as a hydrodynamic and/or hydrostatic bearing.

[0039] Generally, the contact resilient member is flexible enough to allow elastic deformation and avoid localized load increases, but not so flexible as to risk plastic deformation, cracking and failure. In particular, the resilient member is designed such that the stress levels therein will be below the high-cycle fatigue endurance limit. As an example, the resilient member might be only about 10% to about 20% as stiff as a comparable solid member. It is also possible to construct the resilient member geometry with a variable stiffness, i.e. having a low effective spring rate for small deflections and a higher rate as the deflections increase, to avoid failure under sudden heavy loads.

[0040] Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary contact member 34 including a basic resilient interface geometry. The contact member 34 is representative of a portion of a medical implant and is made of one or more metals or ceramics (for example, partially stabilized Zirconia). It may be coated as described below. The geometry includes a lead-in shape, Zl and Z2, a contact shape, Z3 and Z4, a lead-out shape, Z5 and Z6, and a relieved shape, Z7. It may be desired to vary the cross-sectional thickness to achieve a desired mechanical stiffness to substrate resilience characteristic. The presence of the relieved region Z7 introduces flexibility into the contact member 34, reduces the potential for concentrated point contact with a mating curved member, and provides a reservoir for a working fluid. [0041] The Z7 region may be local to the contact member 34 or may be one of several. In any case, it may contain a means of providing fluid pressure to the internal contact cavity to produce a hydrostatic interface. A passive (powered by the regular motion of the patient) or active (powered by micro components and a dedicated subsystem) pumping means and optional filtration may be employed to provide the desired fluid interaction.

[0042] A hydrodynamic interface is desirable as, by definition, it means the contact member 34 is not actually touching the mating joint member. The lead-in and lead-out shapes Zl, Z2, Z5, Z6 are configured to generate a shear stress in the working fluid so as to create the fluid "wedge" of a hydrodynamic support.

[0043] Figure 2 shows a closer view of the contact member 34. It may be desirable to make the contact radius (Z3 and Z4) larger or smaller, depending on the application requirement and flexural requirement. For example, Figure 3 illustrates the contact member 34 in contact with a mating joint member 38 having a substantially larger radius than the contact member 34. The radius ratio between the two joint members is not particularly critical, so long as one of the members exhibits the resilient properties described herein.

[0044] The contact member 34 includes an osseointegration surface "S", which is a surface designed to be infiltrated by bone growth to improve the connection between the implant and the bone. Osseointegration surfaces may be made from materials such as TRABECULAR METAL, textured metal, or sintered or extruded implant integration textures. TRABECULAR METAL is an open metal structure with a high porosity (e.g. about 80%) and is available from Zimmer, Inc., Warsaw, Indiana 46580 USA.

[0045] Figures 4 and 5 illustrate a cup 48 of metal or ceramic with two integrally-formed contact rings 50. More contact rings may be added if needed. As shown in Figure 5, the volume behind the contact rings 50 may be relieved. This relieved area 52 may be shaped so as to produce a desired balance between resilience and stiffness. A varying cross-section geometry defined by varying inner and outer spline shapes may be desired. In other words, a constant thickness is not required. A material such as a gel or non-Newtonian fluid (not shown) may be disposed in the relieved area 52 to modify the stiffness and damping characteristics of the contact rings 50 as needed for a particular application. The cup 48 could be used as a stand-alone portion of a joint, or it could be positioned as a liner within a conventional liner. The contact ring 50 is shown under load in Figure 6, which depicts contour lines of highest compressive stress at "CI". This is the portion of the contact ring 50 that would be expected to undergo bending first. The bearing interface portion of the resilient contact member could be constructed as a bridge cross-section supported on both sides as shown or as a cantilevered cross-section depending on the desired static and dynamic characteristics.

[0046] Figures 7 and 8 illustrate an implant 56 of rigid material which includes a wiper seal 58. The wiper seal 58 keeps particles out of the contact area (seal void) 60 of the implant 58, and working fluid (natural or synthetic) in. The seal geometry is intended to be representative and a variety of seal characteristics may be employed; such as a single lip seal, a double or multiple lip seal, a pad or wiper seal made from a variety of material options. Different seal mounting options may be used, for example a lobe in a shaped groove as shown in Figures 7 and 8, a retaining ring or clamp, or an adhesive. The wiper seal 58 may also be integrated into the contact face of the interface zone.

[0047] It may be desirable to create a return passage 62 from the seal void region 60 back into the internal zone 64 in order to stabilize the pressure between the two and to allow for retention of the internal zone fluid if desired. This is especially relevant when the hydrostatic configuration is considered.

[0048] Figures 9-14 illustrate a prosthetic joint 100 comprising first and second members 102 and 104. The illustrated prosthetic joint 100 is particularly adapted for a spinal application, but it will be understood that the principles described herein may be applied to any type of prosthetic joint. Both of the members 102 and 104 may be bone -implantable, meaning they include osseointegration surfaces, labeled "S", which are surfaces designed to be infiltrated by bone growth to improve the connection between the implant and the bone. Osseointegration surfaces may be made from materials such as TRABECULAR METAL, textured metal, or sintered or extruded implant integration textures, as described above. As shown in Figure 10, a central axis "A" passes through the centers of the first and second members 102 and 104 and is generally representative of the direction in which external loads are applied to the joint 100 in use. In the illustrated examples, the first and second joint members are bodies of revolution about this axis, but the principles of the present invention also extend to shapes that are not bodies of revolution.

[0049] The first member 102 includes a body 106 with a perimeter flange 1 16 extending in a generally radially outward direction at one end. Without regard to the exact direction that the flange 116 extends, it may be considered to be cantilevered relative to the body 106. In other words, when viewed in cross-section, it is a projecting structure, that is supported at one end and carries a load at the other end or along its length. Optionally, a disk- like base 108 may be disposed at the end of the body 106 opposite the flange 116, in which case a circumferential gap 111 will be defined between the base 106 and the flange 116. The first member 102 is constructed from a rigid material. As used here, the term "rigid" refers to a material which has a high stiffness or modulus of elasticity. Nonlimiting examples of rigid materials having appropriate stiffness for the purpose of the present invention include stainless steels, cobalt- chrome alloys, titanium, aluminum, and ceramics. By way of further example, materials such as polymers would generally not be considered "rigid" for the purposes of the present invention. Generally, a rigid material should have a modulus of elasticity of about 0.5 x 10 ⁶ psi or greater. Collectively, one end of the body 106 and the flange 116 define a wear-resistant, concave first contact surface 118. As used herein, the term "wear-resistant" refers to a material which is resistant to surface material loss when placed under load. Generally the wear rate should be no more than about 0.5 μιη (0.000020 in.) to about 1.0 μιη (0.000040 in.) per million cycles when tested in accordance with ASTM Guide F2423. As a point of reference, it is noted that any of the natural joints in a human body can easily experience one million operating cycles per year. Nonlimiting examples of wear-resistant materials include solid metals and ceramics. Known coatings such as titanium nitride, chrome plating, carbon thin films, and/or diamond-like carbon coatings may be used to impart wear resistance to the first contact surface 118. Optionally, the first contact surface 118 could comprise a separate face layer (not shown) of a wear-resistant material such as ultra-high molecular weight (UHMW) polyethylene.

[0050] The first contact surface 118 includes a protruding peripheral rim 120 (see Figure 11), and a recessed central portion 122, which may also be considered a "pocket" or a "relief. As used herein, the term "recessed" as applied to the central portion 122 means that the central portion 122 lies outside of the nominal exterior surface of the second member 104 when the joint 100 is assembled. In one configuration, shown in Figures 9-14, and best seen in Figure 11, the rim 120 is concave, with the radius of curvature being quite high, such that the cross- sectional shape of the surface of the rim 120 approaches a straight line. Figures 15 and 16 show another configuration of a joint member 102' in which the rim 120' has a convex-curved cross- sectional shape. The cross-sectional shape of the rim may be flat or curved as necessary to suit a particular application.

[0051] The annular configuration of first contact surface 1 18 with the protruding rim 120 results in a configuration which permits only pivoting and rotational motion, and is statically and dynamically determinate for the life of the joint 100. In contrast, prior art designs employing mating spherical shapes, even very accurate shapes, quickly reach a statically and dynamically indeterminate condition after use and wear. This condition accelerates wear, contributes to the fretting corrosion wear mechanism, and permits undesired lateral translation between the joint members.

[0052] The second member 104 is also made from a rigid material and has a wear-resistant, convex second contact surface 124. The first and second contact surfaces 118 and 124 bear directly against each other so as to transfer axial and lateral loads from one member to the other while allowing pivoting motion between the two members 102 and 104.

[0053] Nominally the first and second members 102 and 104 define a "ring" or "band" contact interface therebetween. In practice it is impossible to achieve surface profiles completely free of minor imperfections and variations. If the first and second members 102 and 104 were both completely rigid, this would cause high Hertzian contact stresses and rapid wear. Accordingly, an important feature of the illustrated joint 100 is that the flange 1 16 (and thus the first contact surface 118) of the first member 102 is conformable to the second contact surface 124 when the joint is placed under load.

[0054] Figures 10 and 12 show a cross-sectional view of the flange 116 in an unloaded condition or free shape. It can be seen that the distal end of the rim 120 contacts the second contact surface 124, while the inboard end of the rim 120 (i.e. near where the flange 116 joins the body 106) does not. Figures 13 and 14 show the flange 116 in a deflected position or loaded shape, where substantially the entire section width of the rim 120 contacts the second contact surface 124, resulting in a substantially increased contact surface area between the two members 102 and 104, relative to the free shape. The rim 120' of the joint member 102' (see Figure 16) is similarly conformable; however, given the curved cross-sectional shape, the total amount of surface contact area remains substantially constant in both loaded and unloaded conditions, with the rim 120' undergoing a "rolling" or "rocking" motion as the loading changes.

[0055] The conformable nature of the flange 116 is explained in more detail with reference to Figures 24 through 30. As noted above, the first member 102 has a flange 116 and a concave first contact surface 118. The second member 104 has a convex second contact surface 124. When assembled and in use the joint 100 is subject, among other loads, to axial loading in the direction of the arrows labeled "F" in Figure 24 (i.e. along axis "A" of Figure 10). As previously stated, it is impossible in practice for either of the contact surfaces 118 or 124 to be perfect surfaces (i.e. a perfect sphere or other curve or collection of curves). It is believed that in most cases that a defect such as a protrusion from the nominal contact surface of just 0.00127 mm (0.00005 in.), that is, 50 millionths of a inch, or larger, would be sufficient to cause fretting corrosion and failure of a metal-on-metal joint constructed to prior art standards. A defect may include a variance from a nominal surface shape as well as a discontinuity in the contact surface. Defects may arise through a variety of sources such as manufacturing, installation, and/or operating loads in the implanted joint.

[0056] Figure 25 shows the second member 104 which in this particular example varies from a nominal shape in that it is elliptical rather than circular in plan view. The elliptical shape is grossly exaggerated for illustrative purposes. For reference, the dimensions of the second member 104 along the major axis labeled "X" is about 0.0064 mm (0.00025 in.) larger than its dimension along the minor axis labeled "Y". When assembled and loaded, the flange 116 conforms to the imperfect second contact surface 124 and deflects in an irregular shape. In other words, in addition to any uniform deflection which may be present, the defiected shape of the flange 116 includes one or more specific locations or portions that are deflected towards or away from the nominal free shape to a greater or lesser degree than the remainder of the flange 116. Most typically the deflected shape would be expected to be non-axisymmetric. For example, the deflection of the flange 116 at points located at approximately the three o'clock and nine o' clock positions is substantially greater than the deflection of the remainder of the flange 116. As a result, the contact stress in that portion of the first contact surface 118 is relieved. Figure 27 is a plan view plot (the orientation of which is shown by arrow in Figure 26) which graphically illustrates the expected contact stresses in the first contact surface 118 as determined by analytical methods. The first contour line "C2" shows that a very low level of contract stress is present around the entire perimeter of the first contact surface 118. This is because the entire first contact surface 118 is in contact with the second contact surface 124. Another contour line "C3" represents the areas of maximum contact stress corresponding to the protruding portions of the elliptical second contact surface 124.

[0057] For comparative purposes, Figures 28 and 29 depict a member 902 constructed according to prior art principles. The member 902 has a contact surface 918 with an identical profile and dimensions of the first contact surface 118 of the first member 102. However, consistent with the prior art, the member 902 has a massive body 920 behind the entire contact surface 918, rendering the entire member 902 substantially rigid. Figure 30 graphically illustrates the expected contact stresses in the contact surface 918 as determined by analytical methods, when the member 902 is assembled and placed in contact with the second member 104, using the same applied load as depicted in Figure 27. Because of the rigidity of the member 902, a "bridging" effect is present wherein contact between the contact surfaces (one of which is circular in plan view, and the other of which is elliptical) effectively occurs at only two points, located at approximately the three o'clock and nine o' clock positions. A first contour line "C4" shows two discrete areas where the lowest level of contract stress is present. These lines are not contiguous because there is no contact in the remaining area of the contact surfaces (for example at the six o'clock and twelve o'clock positions). Another contour line "C5" represents the areas of maximum contact stress. Analysis shows a peak contact stress having a magnitude of two to twenty times (or more) the peak contact stress of the inventive joint as shown in Figure 27.

[0058] To achieve this controlled deflection, the flange 116 is thin enough to permit bending under working loads, but not so thin as to allow material yield or fatigue cracking. The deflection is opposed by the elasticity of the flange 116 in bending, as well as the hoop stresses in the flange 116. To achieve long life, the first member 102 is sized so that stresses in the flange 116 will be less than the endurance limit of the material, when a selected external load is applied. In this particular example, the joint 100 is intended for use between two spinal vertebrae, and the design average axial working load is in the range of about 0 N (0 lbs) to about 1300 N (300 lbs.). These design working loads are derived from FDA-referenced ASTM and ISO standards for spinal disc prostheses. In this example, the thickness of the flange 116, at a root 126 where it joins the body 106 (see Figure 12) is about 0.4 mm (0.015 in.) to about 5.1 mm (0.200 in.), where the outside diameter of the flange 116 is about 6.4 mm (0.25 in.) to about 7.6 cm (3.0 in.).

[0059] The joint members may include multiple rims. For example, Figure 17 illustrates a joint member 202 where the first contact surface 218 includes two protruding rims 220, with a circumferential groove or relief area 228 therebetween. The presence of multiple rims increases the contact surface areas between the two joint members.

[0060] If present, the circumferential gap between the flange and the base of the joint member may be filled with resilient nonmetallic material to provide damping and/or additional spring restoring force to the flange. Figure 18 illustrates a joint member 302 with a filler 304 of this type. Examples of suitable resilient materials include polymers, natural or synthetic rubbers, and the like.

[0061] As discussed above, the joint may incorporate a wiper seal. For example, Figure 19 illustrates a joint member 402 with a resilient wiper seal 404 protruding from the rim 420 of the first contact surface 418. The wiper seal 404 keeps particles out of the contact area (seal void), while containing working fluid (natural or synthetic). The seal geometry is intended to be representative and a variety of seal characteristics may be employed; such as a single lip seal, a double or multiple lip seal. A pad or wiper seal may be made from a variety of material options. Different seal mounting options may be used, for example a lobe in shaped groove as shown in Figure 18, a retaining ring or clamp, adhesion substance. The seal may also be incorporated into the contact face of the interface zone.

[0062] The joint construction described above can be extended into a three-part configuration. For example, Figure 20 illustrates a prosthetic joint 500 having first, second, and third members 502, 504, and 506. The first and second members 502 and 504 are similar in construction to the first member 102 described above, and each includes a body 508, an optional disk-like base 510, and a flange 512. The flanges 512 define wear-resistant concave first and second contact surfaces 514 and 516, each of which includes a protruding peripheral rim, and a recessed central portion as described above. The third member 506 has a double-convex shape defining opposed wear-resistant, convex third and fourth contact surfaces 524 and 526. The first and second 514 and 516 bear against the third and fourth contact surfaces 524 and 526, respectively, so as to transfer axial (i.e. compression) and lateral loads between the first and second members 502 and 504 through the third member 506, while allowing pivoting motion between the members 502, 504, and 506. The first and second contact surfaces 514 and 516 are conformal to the third and fourth contact surfaces 524 and 526 as described in more detail above.

[0063] Figure 21 illustrates an alternative prosthetic joint 600 comprising first and second members 602 and 604 constructed from rigid materials. Both of the members 602 and 604 may be bone-implantable, meaning they include osseointegration surfaces, labeled "S", as described in more detail above.

[0064] The first member 602 is hollow and includes a disk-like base 606 and a cup 608, interconnected by a peripheral wall 610. An interior cavity 612 is defined between the base 606 and the cup 608. The cup 608 is constructed from a rigid material and defines a wear-resistant, concave first contact surface 614. The first contact surface 614 includes a protruding peripheral rim 616, and a recessed central portion 618, which may also be considered a "pocket" or a "relief. The rim 616 may have a conical or curved cross-sectional shape.

[0065] The second member 604 is constructed from a rigid material and has a wear-resistant, convex second contact surface 620. The first and second contact surfaces 614 and 616 bear directly against each other so as to transfer axial and lateral loads from one member to the other while allowing pivoting motion between the two members 602 and 604.

[0066] As described above with reference to the prosthetic joint 100, the cup 606 of the first member 602 is thin enough to permit bending under working loads, but not so thin as to allow material yield or fatigue cracking. The first contact surface 614 is thus conformable to the second contact surface 620 when the prosthetic joint 600 is placed under external load.

[0067] An inverted configuration of hollow members is also possible. For example, Figure 22 illustrates a prosthetic joint 700 comprising first and second members 702 and 704, both constructed of rigid materials. The first member 702 is solid and includes a wear-resistant, concave first contact surface 708. The first contact surface 708 includes a protruding peripheral rim 710, and a recessed central portion 712, which may also be considered a "pocket" or a "relief ^* .

[0068] The second member 704 is hollow and includes a dome 714 connected to a peripheral wall 716. An interior cavity 718 is defined behind the dome 714. The dome 714 defines a wear- resistant, convex second contact surface 720, which is shaped and sized enough to permit bending under working loads, but not so as to allow material yield or fatigue cracking. The second contact surface 720 is thus conformable to the first contact surface 708 when the prosthetic joint 700 is placed under external load.

[0069] The first and second contact surfaces 708 and 720 bear directly against each other so as to transfer axial and lateral loads from one member to the other while allowing pivoting motion between the two members 702 and 704.

[0070] Any of the contact surfaces described above may be provided with one or more grooves formed therein to facilitate flow of fluid or debris. For example, Figure 23 illustrates a joint member 800 including a concave contact surface 802. The contact surface 802 includes a circular groove 804, and plurality of generally radially-extending grooves 806 which terminate at the center of the contact surface 802 and intersect the circular groove 804.

[0071] As noted above, known coatings such as titanium nitride, chrome plating, carbon thin films, and/or diamond-like carbon coatings may be used to impart wear resistance or augment the wear resistance of any of the first or second contact surfaces described above. To the same end, it may be desirable to surface treat either or both interfaces of any of the above-described implants or joints with a laser, shot peen, burnishing, or water shock process, to impart residual compressive stresses and reduce wear. The benefit could be as much from surface annealing and microstructure and microfracture elimination as smoothing itself.

[0072] The foregoing has described medical implants and prosthetic joints with wear-resistant properties and conformal geometries. While specific embodiments of the present invention have been described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications thereto can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention and the best mode for practicing the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not for the purpose of limitation.