Orthopedic implant designs are evolving to meet broader patient needs while OEMs look for ways to simplify portfolios. Material choices are shifting, with titanium gaining momentum for its biocompatibility and bone in-growth potential. But titanium alone is not suited for articulation and requires a surface solution.
Legacy thin coatings, while effective on limited-life, hardened instruments, and are at risk of plastic deformation, which can lead to edge wear, erosion, and delamination when applied to a soft substrate. PVD coatings were not designed for the purpose of a bearing surface on titanium. After many years of clinical use, the market has identified the need for an alternate solution.
ALTITUDE® applies modern materials science to deliver a purpose-built bearing surface for titanium, enabling durable performance.