MEDICAL IMPLANT FOR CARTILAGE REPLACEMENT AND METHOD OF MAKING SUCH IMPLANT

Present invention relates to an orthopedic implant having a bone anchoring part comprising a polymer composition comprising a biostable thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and 15-70 mass % of inorganic particles comprising zirconia. It was found that this relatively rigid anchoring part allows inserting an implant into a pre-drilled bone hole to form a firm and durable connection to bone, which may be visualized with for example X-ray or MRI methods. The thermoplastic polyurethane composition shows favorable properties, and offers freedom in design and dimensioning of the implant, and in making the implant with common techniques like injection molding. Especially if the implant comprises a cartilage replacing part made from a resilient thermoplastic material compatible with the polyurethane-zirconia composition, like a more flexible TPU composition, the implant may be made with a 2-component injection molding technique. In other aspects, the invention relates to a method of making said orthopedic implant comprising a bone anchoring part with a multi-component injection molding process. The invention further relates to a surgical kit of parts comprising orthopedic implants of the invention, and to the use of an implant or a surgical kit of the invention in orthopedic surgery.