J Korean Orthop Res Soc.  2005 Oct;8(2):137-143.

Transfer of Metallic Debris from the Metal Surface of an Acetabular Cup to Artificial Femoral Heads by Scraping: Comparison Between Alumina and Cobalt-chrome Heads

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. oskim@snu.ac.kr
  • 2Joint Reconstruction Center, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si, Korea.

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of the current in vitro study was to evaluate the transfer of metal to both alumina and cobalt-chrome (Co-Cr) heads that were scraped by a titanium alloy surface under different load conditions.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Alumina and Co-Cr heads were scraped by an acetabular metal shell under various loads using a creep tester. Microstructural changes in the scraped area were visualized with a scanning electron microscope and chemical element changes were assessed using an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry. Changes in the roughness of the scraped surface were evaluated by a three-dimensional surface profiling system.
RESULTS
Metal transfer to alumina and Co-Cr heads began to be detectable at a 10~15 kg load, which could be exerted by one-handed force. At loads of 30, 50 kg, fissures occurred on the head surfaces in addition to metal transfer.
CONCLUSION
This study reveals that metallic debris was transferred from the titanium alloy acetabular shell to both alumina and Co-Cr heads by minor scraping. When the contact force increased, scratching of the head surface occurred in addition to the transfer of metal. The results of this study suggest that the greatest possible effort should be made to protect femoral heads, regardless of material, from contact with metallic surfaces during total hip arthroplasty.

Keyword

Total hip arthroplasty; Scraping; Alumina head; Co-Cr head; Metal transfer

MeSH Terms

Acetabulum*
Alloys
Aluminum Oxide*
Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip
Head*
Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission
Titanium
Alloys
Aluminum Oxide
Titanium
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