Corrosion resistance of metallic implants used in bone surgery

Purpose: The purpose of the research was analysis of influence of mechanical damages on the implants’ surface made of Cr-Ni-Mo steel on the pitting corrosion resistance. Analysis was performed for implants after different time of implantation applied for stabilization of the funnel chest and for stabilization bone fractures, as well as for intramedullary nails in the initial state. Design/methodology/approach: Research were performed on three groups of implants after different implantation time. Research were based on the potentiodinamic tests by recording the anodic polarization curves. The tests were performed in the Tyrode’s physiological solution. Findings: The research effect was determination the corrosion potential Ecorr and breakdown potential Eb for three groups of implants after different time of implantation and different mechanical surface damages. On the basis of investigation it was stated that for all implants the breakdown potential was in the range of Eb = +549 – +1017 mV and the corrosion potential was in the range of Ecorr = -143 – +103 mV. Research limitations/implications: The obtained results can be applied to comparing the effects of possible postoperative complications. They also show the relation between the damage of surface layers and implantation time. The values of corrosion and breakdown potentials indicate good corrosion resistance of the applied austenitic stainless steel. Practical implications: The essential influence on the corrosion resistance had the time of implantation and size of surface damages. The results of research of implants made of Cr-Ni-Mo austenitic stainless steel presents that the steel was performed quality requirements for metallic biomaterials used for tested implants. Originality/value: The work presents the results of pitting corrosion tests for metallic implants made of Cr-Ni- Mo steel in the initial state and after different implantation time.