Coated metal implants for improved mobility after hand surgery

Important results from the project

The aim of this project was to develop and evaluate a surface coating for metal implants used in fracture fixation. A flexible and industrial surface treatment method was developed, which could be adapted to the needs of different implants for an even surface treatment. The surface coating showed exceptional biocompatibility and important parameters for functionality as adhesion-barrier were obtained. The project´s results have shown the most promising path towards commercialization of this new implant technology.

Expected long term effects

An industrially viable method has been developed for the innovative surface treatment material which enables coating of basically any metal implant. The coating showed exceptional biocompatibility and the tests performed have produced the most promising application method to avoid tissue adhesions in plate and screw fixation of hand fractures.

Approach and implementation

The project plan functioned well despite the initial delay due to Covid-19. The first phase with the development of the surface treatment method was efficient and the project parties were able to start the evaluation earlier than expected. This allowed the surface treatment method to be further optimized into a more functional solution. All planned tests were carried out within the framework of the project time-line, with results that give a clearer picture of the future use of this technology.