The influence of the surface geometric structure on the functionality of implants

Apart from material features, the functionality of implants depends also on the geometric structure of the surfaces in contact. This work presents the results of research studies on the analysis of surface geometric structure obtained during the manufacturing process as well as the analysis of surface geometric structure obtained during the tribological research. It also determines the wear of polymer cooperating with the examined ceramic materials. The results show the substantial influence of the surface geometric structure on the functionality of implants. The ceramic surfaces of high manufacturing quality gave higher friction coefficients and more wear of polymer specimen in comparison to ceramic surfaces of low manufacturing quality. The standard of the Ra parameter should be changed to another one because it fails as a factor of describing quality of surfaces. Either other parameters or new ones should be defined.