AS Allergy Solution

The AS coated implants by Aesculap offer a ground-breaking solution for patients with metal sensivity e.g. reactions on nickel, chrome and cobalt. According to the literatur dermal hypersensitivity to metal is common, affecting about 10 to 15 % of the population.

Currently, there is no generally accepted test for the clinical determination of metal sensitivity to implants. However, the prevalence of dermal sensitivity in patient with a joint replacement, particularly those with a failed implant, is substantially higher than in general population (Hallab et al, Biomaterials 2008).

Reactions could be eczema, tumescences or effusions but also wound healing disorder or sterile osteomyelitis. Indeed metal sensitivity contributes implant loosening.

Considering the steadily growing number of patients receiving long-term implants, the biocompatibility of implant materials is bound to become one of the dominant issues in implant technology.

ZrN Top coating (approx. 2.5 µm)
The top coating consists of zirconium nitrogene with high resistance to wear, low gliding friction and hardness due to its ceramic nature. Zirconium is one of the 5 most biocompatible metals.

Five intermediate layers (CrN-CrCN approx. 2 µm)
The five layers compensate the different hardness of the material thereby preventing mechanical ablation.

Chrome base material (approx. 0.1 µm)
The chrome base material leads to a safe compound of the subsequent layers with the implant and ensures stability.