The present invention provides orthopedic prosthesis having at least one
metallic component that includes a metallic substrate on which an
integrally formed nano-crystalline coating is formed. The coating and the
substrate have at least one metallic constituent in common having an
average atomic concentration in the coating that differs from an average
atomic concentration in the substrate by less than about 10 percent.
Further, the nano-crystalline coatings includes crystalline grains with
an average size in a range of about 1 to 999 nanometers, and more
preferably in a range of about 10 to 200 nanometers. A transition region
that exhibits a graded reduction in average grain size separates the
coating from the substrate. The coating advantageously exhibits an
enhanced hardness, and a high degree of resistance to corrosion and wear.
In one application, the nano-crystalline coatings of the invention are
utilized to form articulating surfaces of various orthopedic devices.