Mechanically assisted crevice corrosion in metallic biomaterials: a review

Abstract

Mechanically assisted crevice corrosion (MACC) of metallic biomaterials continues to be a concern for highly loaded medical devices for spinal, dental, cardiovascular and orthopaedic applications. Increasing usage of modularity (multiple-component system) and mixed-alloy metal–metal junctions in orthopaedic surgery gives the surgeon increased intraoperative flexibility for choosing optimal components; however, these design changes can accelerate corrosion reactions and significantly impact local biological processes and mechanical integrity of the implants. The goal of this review is to discuss the MACC processes observed in modular implants especially in orthopaedic hip prosthesis. The concept associated with MACC is described to provide insight into why corrosion is a critically important factor in the long-term performance of devices. Specific examples of MACC in vivo followed by summary of in vitro testing and recent biological assessments of orthopaedic implants are discussed.

Keywords:

• Orthopaedic implant
• Metal-on-metal
• Fretting corrosion
• Crevice corrosion
• Retrieval analyses

Acknowledgement

S. A. Mali would like to acknowledge Dr Jeremy L. Gilbert, Syracuse University, for his guidance and support for the review article.