Transcutaneous prosthesis

Abstract

A transcutaneous prosthesis includes a first component configured for attachment to a bone, the first component including flutes or grooves on a surface thereof for deterring rotation of the prosthesis within a bone; a second component adapted for location between the bone and the skin, the second component having a surface treatment for stimulation of fibroblastic cell proliferation and attachment of epithelial cells; and a third component adapted for location to extend from the skin surface and is adapted to extend directly from the skin surface in use, the third component having a coating of a non-stick material on an outer surface thereof, the coating having a surface energy that is lower than a surface energy of the first and second components and which is low enough to deter bacterial adhesion.

1 . A transcutaneous prosthesis which comprises:
 a first component having means for attachment to a bone,   a second component adapted for location between the bone and the skin, the second component having a surface treatment for stimulation of fibroblastic cell proliferation and attachment of epithelial cells; and   a third component adapted for location to extended directly from the skin surface in use, whereby the outer surface of the third component has a surface energy that is lower than a surface energy of at least the second component and which is low enough to deter bacterial adhesion.   
     
     
         2 . A prosthesis according to  claim 1  wherein the components are integrally formed and have different surface treatments. 
     
     
         3 . A prosthesis according to  claim 1 , wherein the first component has a surface treatment which stimulates bone growth and osseous integration. 
     
     
         4 . A prosthesis according to  claim 1 , wherein the second component has a micro-pitted surface. 
     
     
         5 . A prosthesis according to  claim 1 , wherein the surface of the second component carries a protein coating. 
     
     
         6 . A prosthesis according to  claim 1 , wherein the second component extends outwardly from the first and third components. 
     
     
         7 . A prosthesis according to  claim 6 , wherein the second component has through-holes. 
     
     
         8 . A prosthesis according to  claim 1 , where the third component carries a coating comprising a fluoro- or silicon polymer. 
     
     
         9 . A prosthesis according to  claim 1 , wherein the third component carries a coating comprising diamond like carbon. 
     
     
         10 . A prosthesis according to  claim 1 , wherein the third component includes a frangible or detachable linkage which permits an external component to detach in the event that an unusually high load is applied to the prosthesis. 
     
     
         11 . A prosthesis according to  claim 1 , in which the third component is adapted for connection to an artificial limb or digit. 
     
     
         12 . A prosthesis according to  claim 5 , wherein the protein coating is fibronectin or laminin. 
     
     
         13 . A prosthesis according to  claim 1 , wherein the surface of the second component carries a hydrated calcium phosphate coating. 
     
     
         14 . A prosthesis as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein the hydrated calcium phosphate coating is a coating of hydroxy apatite. 
     
     
         15 . A prosthesis as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the surface energy of the third component is a surface energy level of a non-stick material such as a fluoro or silicone polymer or diamond-like carbon. 
     
     
         16 . A prosthesis as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the outer surface of the third component has a coating of a non-stick material. 
     
     
         17 . A prosthesis as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the first component is shaped for implantation into a bone. 
     
     
         18 . A prosthesis as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein the second component extends in an outward direction perpendicular to the first and third components. 
     
     
         19 . A prosthesis according to  claim 6 , wherein the second component extends in an outward direction perpendicular to the first and third components, in plate like form. 
     
     
         20 . A prosthesis according to  claim 6 , wherein the second component is mushroom shaped. 
     
     
         21 . A prosthesis according to  claim 7 , wherein the second component has first set of through holes of a first size and a second set of through holes of a second size. 
     
     
         22 . A transcutaneous prosthesis which comprises:
 a first component having means for attachment to a bone;   a second component adapted for location between the bone and the skin, the second component having a surface treatment for stimulation of fibroblastic cell proliferation and attachment of epithelial cells; and   a third component adapted for location to extend directly from the skin surface in use, wherein the second component is located between the first and third components in use, the third component having an outer surface comprising a non-stick material, wherein the outer surface has a surface energy which is low enough to deter bacterial adhesion.