Importance

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Abstract

A prosthesis for implantation in bone is provided which comprises a metal body having an outer surface at least a portion of which includes: (a) a plurality of first recesses, each of the first recesses having a characteristic dimension of less than about 1.0 millimeter, the characteristic dimension being the minimum edge-to-edge distance across the recess at the outer surface of the prosthesis; and (b) a plurality of second recesses, each of the second recesses having a characteristic dimension less than the characteristic dimension of the first recesses. The first recesses are created in the outer surface before the second recesses. Prior to the formation of the second recesses, the first recesses are characterized by: (1) initial areas at the outer surface; (2) initial perimeters at the outer surface; and (3) initial included angles between the outer surface and the side walls of the recess. The second recesses are formed by depressing the outer surface of the metal body so as to deform at least some of the edges of the first recesses. The deformation produces changes in all or some of the initial areas, initial perimeters, and initial included angles. The changes give the outer surface a complex surface topography suitable for strong bonding with bone.

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First Claim