Clinical and Metallurgical Observations on the Corrosion of Stainless Steel Screws used in Orthopædic Surgery

Abstract

IN our article we were not discussing heavy localized destructive corrosion and superficial tarnishing of orthopædic components, since these are rarely found except when non-identical metals have been inserted or when sepsis has occurred. In all the cases we have examined there was no obvious sign of corrosion, but examination of the biopsy specimens showed that cellular reaction and iron infiltration had occurred in the tissue adjacent to the buried metals. This reaction is greatest near the screw and bolt heads, which have been handled by tools, and least near unhandled regions of the metal. It occurs in the absence of any concentrated destructive corrosion in the region of contact between the two components or between metal and bone.