Abrasion resistance of oxidized zirconium in comparison with CoCrMo and titanium nitride coatings for artificial knee joints.

Most total knee replacement joints consist of a metal femoral component made from a cobalt-chromium- molybdenum (CoCrMo)-alloy and a tibial component with an ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) bearing surface. Wear of the UHMWPE remains the primary disadvantage of these implants. The allergic potential ascribed to CoCrMo-alloys is a further concern.