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Advanced Surface Technology

Your chance for better results in knee arthroplasty

Advanced Surface Technology is an innovative multilayer coating for knee implants that is unique in the market. With improved mechanical properties and fantastic results in biocompatibility – it is an effective solution to prevent complications in primary and revision surgery. 

7 layers for protection

Multilayer vs monolayer coatings

Unlike monolayer coatings, the AS 7-layer coating with Zirconium Nitride surface (ZrN) has a buffer zone which compensates the changes in surface hardness and results in more resilient elastic properties. In addition, the transition layers act as an improved metal ion barrier and offer a more efficient metal ion reduction than monolayer coatings with Titanium Niobium Nitride surface (TiNbN). [1], [2]

Chart: Multilayer vs monolayer coatings

 Ceramic surface

The top layer is made from zirconium nitride, a hard ceramic material. It offers exceptionally high wear resistance. A hard surface increases scratch resistance [2] and ensures lower polyethylene abrasion.

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5 transition layers

The five transition layers provide stability and create a barrier effect. These layers prevent the release of metal ions and bridge the difference in hardness.

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Bond coating

This adhesive layer provides a firm connection between the implant and the subsequent coated layers.

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Multilayer coating

Improving the molecular structure of the layered system. The Advanced Surface multilayer structure provides the coating with high elasticity and prevents an eggshell effect – even under extreme conditions.

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“I do everything for satisfied patients with good long-term results – so it is a logical consequence for me to use the Advanced Surface Technology implants. The multilayer technology compensates for the changes in the hardness of the surface and provides a safe barrier against the release of metal ions”

Ronald Gardner, MD, Gardner Orthopaedics, Fort Myers, USA

Enhanced biocompatibility

Take care in advance

Chart: Less metal ion release

Chart: Less biofilm formation

The wear of the gliding surface is directly linked to aseptic loosening due to osteolysis triggered by polyethylene wear particles. Aseptic loosening is the most common reason for revisions in TKA. [7], [8] The interaction of components is therefore very important for the results of a knee surgery and the patient's well being.

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    AS knee implants demonstrate up to 88% reduction in wear when compared to CoCrMo prosthesis. [9]

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    Beta PE provides 70% reduction in oxidation levels. [10]

AS clinical evidence

Proving clinical results

The clinical performance is very important – not only for the surgeon that aims for a good result after surgery, but also for the patient that needs the confidence to make the right choice for his/her health.​ There are many different studies and papers to prove the effectiveness and advantages of Advanced Surface Technology.

AS implant portfolio

Complete protection – from primary to revision

The AS coating technology can be applied to all implant components. It is important for us to let you decide for your preferred AESCULAP® knee implant system – with the option in AS.

“As it happens, I was a candidate for a knee replacement, and I chose Advanced Surface Technology, which I use on every single patient. Why should I use a lesser item for my patients?”

Ronald Gene Hood, MD, St. Francis Health System, Muskogee, USA

Related Documents

[1] Ragone V, Canciani E, Biffi CA, D'Ambrosi R, Sanvito R, Dellavia C, Galliera E. CoCrMo alloys ions release behavior by TiNbN coating: an in vitro study. Biomed Microdevices. 2019 Jul 4;21(3):61.

[2] Reich J, Hovy L, Lindenmaier HL, Zeller R, Schwiesau J, Thomas P, Grupp TM. Präklinische Ergebnisse beschichteter Knieimplantate für Allergiker [Preclinical evaluation of coated knee implants for allergic patients]. Orthopade. 2010 May;39(5):495-502.

[3] Schäfer T, Böhler E, Ruhdorfer S, Weigl L, Wessner D, Filipiak B, Wichmann HE, Ring J. Epidemiology of contact allergy in adults. Allergy. 2001 Dec;56(12):1192-6.

[4] Hallab N, Merritt K, Jacobs JJ. Metal sensitivity in patients with orthopaedic implants. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2001 Mar;83-A(3):428-36.

[5] Pilz M, Staats K, Tobudic S, Assadian O, Presterl E, Windhager R, Holinka J. Zirconium Nitride Coating Reduced Staphylococcus epidermidis Biofilm Formation on Orthopaedic Implant Surfaces: An In Vitro Study. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2019 Feb;477(2):461-466.

[6] Thomas P, Hisgen P, Kiefer H, Schmerwitz U, Ottersbach A, Albrecht D, Summer B, Schinkel C. Blood cytokine pattern and clinical outcome in knee arthroplasty patients: comparative analysis 5 years after standard versus "hypoallergenic" surface coated prosthesis implantation. Acta Orthop. 2018 Dec;89(6):646-651.

[7] Sadoghi P, Liebensteiner M, Agreiter M, Leithner A, Böhler N, Labek G. Revision surgery after total joint arthroplasty: a complication-based analysis using worldwide arthroplasty registers. J Arthroplasty. 2013 Sep;28(8):1329-32

[8] Australian National Joint Replacement Registry 2022.

[9] Grupp TM, Giurea A, Miehlke RK, Hintner M, Gaisser M, Schilling C, Schwiesau J, Kaddick C. Biotribology of a new bearing material combination in a rotating hinge knee articulation. Acta Biomater. 2013 Jun;9(6):7054-63.

[10] Blömer W, Lohrmann E. Verschleißbeständigkeit von UHMWPE-Artikulationen in der Hüftgelenksendoprothetik. In: Weller S, Braun A, Eingartner C, Maurer F, Weise K, Winter E, Volkmann R. Das BICONTACT Hüftendoprothesensystem 1987-2007. Stuttgart: Georg Thieme Verlag; 2007. p. 94-100.

[11] Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry (AOANJRR). Hip, Knee & Shoulder Arthroplasty: 2021 Annual Report, Adelaide; AOA, 2021: 258.

[12] Lützner J, Beyer F, Lützner C, Tille E, Postler AE. A Novel Multilayer-Coating for Total Knee Arthroplasty Implants is Safe – 10-Year Results From a Randomized-Controlled Trial. J Arthroplasty. 2023 Jan;38(1):90-95.e1.

[13] Whiteside LA. Clinical Results of Revision TKA in Patients With Presumed Metal and Cement Allergy. J Arthroplasty. 2022 Jun;37(6S):S250-S257.