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Metal is not inert : Role of metal ions released by biocorrosion in aseptic loosening—Current concepts
Author(s) -
Cadosch Dieter,
Chan Erwin,
Gautschi Oliver P.,
Filgueira Luis
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
journal of biomedical materials research part a
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.849
H-Index - 150
eISSN - 1552-4965
pISSN - 1549-3296
DOI - 10.1002/jbm.a.32625
Subject(s) - materials science , metal , metal ions in aqueous solution , implant , inert , orthopedic surgery , immune system , aseptic processing , biomedical engineering , medicine , metallurgy , surgery , immunology , chemistry , organic chemistry
Abstract Metal implants are essential therapeutic tools for the treatment of bone fractures and joint replacements. The metals and metal alloys used in contemporary orthopedic and trauma surgery are well tolerated by the majority of patients. However, complications resulting from inflammatory and immune reactions to metal implants have been well documented. This review briefly discusses the different mechanisms of metal implant corrosion in the human body, which lead to the release of significant levels of metal ions into the peri‐implant tissues and the systemic blood circulation. Additionally, this article reviews the effects of the released ions on bone metabolism and the immune system and discusses their involvement in the pathophysiological mechanisms of aseptic loosening and metal hypersensitivity in patients with metal implants. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009