Orthopedic implants having gradient polymer alloys

Abstract

Orthopedic implants having a bone interface member and a water swellable IPN or semi-IPN with a stiffness, hydration, and/or compositional gradient from one side to the other and physically attached to the bone interface member. The invention also includes an orthopedic implant system including an implant that may conform to a bone surface and a joint capsule. The invention also includes orthopedic implants with water swellable IPN or semi-IPNs including a hydrophobic thermoset or thermoplastic polymer first network and an ionic polymer second network, joint capsules, labral components, and bone interface members. The invention also includes a method of inserting an orthopedic implant having a metal portion and a flexible polymer portion into a joint, including inserting the implant in a joint in a first shape and changing the implant from a first shape to a second shape to conform to a shape a bone.

1 - 17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . An orthopedic implant comprising: a water swellable IPN or semi-IPN member having a bearing surface and an attachment zone, the water swellable IPN or semi-IPN member comprising a hydrophobic thermoset or thermoplastic polymer first network and an ionic polymer second network configured to exhibit a compositional gradient between the bearing surface and the attachment zone, wherein the attachment zone is configured to attach to bone and comprises the hydrophobic first network and not the ionic polymer second network.