Hydroxyapatite powders for plasma spray coating of implantable devices

Hydroxyapatite (HA) is a key material for plasma spray coating and surface treatments of implantable devices, in order to promote osseo-generation and integration. Several elements need to be covered in the manufacturing process of HA. Different methods exist, and raw materials and equipment will vary. HA has various characteristics that are determined during the manufacturing process, such as shape, composition, and density. Those characteristics are measured and analyzed to validate compliance with international standards such as ISO13779 and ASTM 1185.

We demonstrate in this study that it is possible to obtain similar results with different equipment and parameters for the same powder as well as similar results for different powders on the same equipment. Equipment is made by different manufacturers and powders have different shapes (angular vs spherical). 

MedicalGroup, Corp. specializes in plasma spray coating of orthopedic implants and in manufacturing of implantable grade Hydroxyapatite powders.