Enhanced Performance of Internal Limb Lenthening Prosthesis by Pasma Immersion Ion Implantation

The objective of this 1 year feasibility study is to improve the performance of limb lengthening intramedullary prosthesis (LLN) for deformity correction & acquired trauma through plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII) of the internal components. It is hypothesized that PIII treatment will improve lubricity between these mating surfaces reducing the torque required to lengthen the nail & allowing for use in patients with larger limb diameter. PIII will require in-line control of critical process characteristics, e.g. implantation current, dose, choice of dopants, & surface characterisation tools to assess coating composition & coefficient of friction. The vertically integrated collaboration between a global medical device company (S&N), a specialist in PIII treatment (IBS), & an institute specializing in surface characterisation (NPL), are requesting £79k to address processing challenges relating to surface characterisation, process design & scale-up. The platform technology is applicable in other healthcare & industrial sectors given its high level of innovation, & the partners will commercialize the results through the consortium.