ISSN: 1546-962X
CODEN: JAIOAD
Published Online: 8 June 2005
Page Count: 9

A Methodology to Fabricate Titanium and Stainless Steel Wear Debris for Experimental Use: A Comparison of Size, Shape, and Chemistry

Sprecher, CM
AO Research Institute, Clavadelerstrasse, Davos,

Kunze, J
Technical University Hamburg-Harburg, Hamburg,
Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL

Burian, B
AO Research Institute, Clavadelerstrasse, Davos,

Villinger, N
AO Research Institute, Clavadelerstrasse, Davos,

Jacobs, JJ
Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL

Schneider, E
AO Research Institute, Clavadelerstrasse, Davos,

Wimmer, MA
Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL

(Received 13 August 2004; accepted 25 January 2005)

Abstract

It is well established that particulate debris can cause osteolysis. The current paper describes a simple procedure to generate titanium and stainless steel particulates for in vitro and in vivo use.

The ‘wear generator’ consisted of three pins out of titanium or stainless steel fixed onto a stir “bar.” The bar was rotated in a beaker filled with Ringer's solution against a disk of the same metal. The extracted particles were described using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analyses, and inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectroscopy. In addition, the chemical stability of the generated particles was tested.

The Equivalent Circle Diameter of stainless steel particles was smaller than that of titanium. Titanium particles contained pure titanium metal and titanium oxides. In contrast, stainless steel particles contained soluble corrosion products (e.g., nickel) and other elements from the salty lubricant.

Keywords:
wear, particle characterization, titanium, stainless steel, hip prostheses

Paper ID: JAI12814
DOI: 10.1520/JAI12814
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