Bioactive ceramic coatings with antimicrobial properties to increase orthopaedic implant longevity

The short lifespan of orthopaedic implants is a major clinical problem, where failure occurs within a few months because of infection, or within 10 -15 years due to loosening. Most orthopaedic implants use titanium alloys (Ti-6Al-4V), which often cannot achieve sufficient integration with bone, and currently used hydroxyapatite coatings are prone to delamination and fragmentation. This thesis developed patented calcium silicate bioceramics for use as novel implant coatings that featured osteogenic and antimicrobial properties coupled with high bonding strength to prevent premature implant failure. This will reduce the costs associated with revision surgery and improve recipients' long-term quality of life.