Bioceramic coatings on metallic implants: An overview

Metallic implants sometimes fail in orthopedic surgeries due to insufficient bio-functionality, implant-associated infections, poor osteointegration due to high inertness (Ti, Co–Cr, stainless steel alloys), and a too fast degradation rate (Mg-based alloys). Bioceramic coatings are among the most appropriate solutions for overcoming these drawbacks. After providing a picture of the history as well as the pros and cons of the different types of metallic implants, this review focuses on bioceramic coatings that can be applied on them, including metal oxides, calcium phosphates, silicates, glasses, glass-ceramics, carbon, etc. Various coating strategies and applications are described and discussed, with emphasis on a selected number of highly promising researches. The major trends and future directions in the development of bioceramic coatings are finally suggested.