A cytotoxicity and wear analysis of trapeziometacarpal total joint replacement implant consisting of DLC-coated Co-Cr-Mo alloy with the use of titanium gradient interlayer

Diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings exhibit excellent mechanical properties and improve the smoothness and the wear characteristic of the metallic component of total joint replacements. Although DLC is considered to be highly biocompatible, the effect of implant wear debris must be carefully analyzed. Simulated loading can help to mimic the wear of the implant in the human body over time. The purpose of the study presented here is to observe the...