Comparison of Inflammatory Cell-Induced Corrosion and Electrocautery-Induced Damage of Total Knee Implants.

Recently, inflammatory cell-induced corrosion (ICIC), a unique type of damage, has been reported in cobalt-chromium (CoCr) implants, but the mechanism remains poorly understood and controversial because electrocautery damage has also been shown to produce similar findings. This study aimed to distinguish between these two damage mechanisms. Forty-one CoCr primary total knee arthroplasty specimens were collected at time of necropsy. After removal and cleaning, light microscopy was used to identify areas of ICIC-like damage scars. A CoCr knee implant was intentionally damaged by electrocautery from both Bovie and Aquamantys sources using a 3-second hover method with 3 different energy settings for comparison to necropsy findings. Average roughness (Ra), max peak-to-valley height (Rmax), kurtosis (Rk), and skewness (Rsk) measurements were collected to represent the topography on the damaged areas for the CoCr implants. Necropsy implants showed signs of ICIC in 7 of 41 implants (17%) examined. Fe/C ratios of the Bovie electrocautery-damaged knee implant were shown to be statistically higher than those of necropsy-retrieved implants. Median Ra measurements were statistically less (P = 0.008) for Bovie-damaged areas compared to ICIC-dam-aged areas on CoCr. Median Rmax and Ra measurements were statistically less (P = 0.012, P < 0.001, respectively) for Aquamantys-damaged areas compared to ICIC-damaged areas on CoCr. While the visual patterns seen in necropsy-retrieved implants appeared similar to those with the intentionally damaged CoCrMo implant, the contents of the corroded regions are unique. The difference in roughness found on ICIC-damaged and electrocautery-damaged regions also indicates examination of surface topography as another distinguishing feature between the two mechanisms.

Análisis in vitro de la resistencia a la fractura de estructuras de fibra de carbono termocicladas / In vitro resistance to fracture testing of carbon fiber structures after thermal cycling

Objetivos: Comparar la resistencia a la fractura de estructuras de fibra de carbono con estructuras de cobalto-cromo, unidas a resina y tras termociclado. Materiales y métodos: se confeccionaron cinco probetas de fibra de carbono y cinco de cromo-cobalto y se unieron a resina acrílica. Ambas probetas se sometieron a 5000 ciclos de termociclado, permaneciendo durante 30 segundos en saliva artificial entre 5º y 55º C de temperatura entre cada ciclo. Posteriormente se realizó un ensayo por carga en tres puntos hasta producirse fractura de las probetas. Resultados: Dos de las cinco probetas de fibra de carbono presentaron separación de los materiales tras el termociclado. El grupo de fibra de carbono obtuvo valores más bajos en la resistencia a la fractura (305,6 N), mientras que el grupo de cromo-cobalto alcanzó los 664,8 N de media (p=0,008). Conclusiones: Dentro de los límites del estudio, la resistencia a la fractura de las probetas de fibra de carbono fue significativamente menor que la de las probetas de cromo-cobalto. Es necesario mejorar las estructuras para poder indicar este material como alternativa al cromo-cobalto en prótesis híbridas implantosoportadas (AU)

Objective: To compare the resistance to fracture of carbon fiber and acrylic resin structures and with cobalt-chromium alloy and acrilic resin structures after thermal cycling. Material and methods: Five carbon fiber reinforced acrylic resin and five cobalt-chromium alloy embebed in acrylic resin specimens were fabricated. All specimens were thermal cycled from 5º to 55ºC for 5000 cycles with a 30-s dwell time. A three point loading test until fracture of specimens was performed. Results: In two of five specimens separation of carbon fiber from acrylic resin was observed after thermal cycling. The carbon fiber reinforced group presented lower resistance values (305,6 N) while cobalt-chromium group reached an average of 664,8 N (p=0.008). Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, the resistance to fracture of carbon fiber specimens were significantly lower than cobalt-chormium group. More studies and improvment of carbon fiber reinforced resins are necessary in order to be used as alternative material for implant-supported hybrid prosthesis (AU)

Impact of military metallurgical plant wastes on the population's health risk.

This paper presents the results of water, soil and air analyses taken in the vicinity of a former ferrochromium metallurgical plant. In the past, the area was used for the disposal of waste materials containing smelter slag, dust and other waste products from the manufacture of ferrochromium alloys for the army. Recently, production was abandoned and a project aimed at the liquidation of the dump has been initiated. The project concentrates on the recovery of chromium remains and the utilization of the leftover material as a road construction aggregate. Based on the analyses of ground water, soil and air, a health risk caused by environmental pollution with chromium, especially with Cr(VI), was determined for residential and occupational scenarios. It was found that the level of chromium emissions to the environment constitutes a potential danger of toxic and carcinogenic cases in humans exposed to the emission in the affected area. An increased level in the hazard quotient has been observed in the case of occupational activities. As far as the mutagenic effects are concerned, the occupational inhalation exposure was found to be very high, which may raise extreme concern about carcinogenic risk.

Corrosion and Adverse Local Tissue Reaction in One Type of Modular Neck Stem.

Modular neck stems allow for optimization of joint biomechanics by restoring anteversion, offset, and limb length. A potential disadvantage is the generation of metal ions from fretting and crevice corrosion. We identified 118 total hip arthroplasty implanted with one type of dual-modular femoral component. Thirty-six required revision due to adverse local tissue reaction. Multivariate analysis isolated females and low offset necks as risk factors for failure. Kaplan-Meir analysis revealed small stem sizes failed at a higher rate during early follow-up period. Although the cobalt/chrome levels were higher in the failed group, these tests had low diagnostic accuracy for ALTR, while MRI scan was more sensitive. We conclude that the complications related to the use of dual modular stems of this design outweigh the potential benefits.

Corrosion in artificial saliva of a Ni-Cr-based dental alloy joined by TIG welding and conventional brazing.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: Fixed prosthesis and partial dental prosthesis frameworks are usually made from welded Ni-Cr-based alloys. These structures can corrode in saliva and have to be investigated to establish their safety. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the corrosion behavior of joints joined by tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding and conventional brazing in specimens made of commercial Ni-Cr alloy in Fusayama artificial saliva at 37°C (pH 2.5 and 5.5). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighteen Ni-Cr base metal specimens were cast and welded by brazing or tungsten inert gas methods. The specimens were divided into 3 groups (base metal, 2 welded specimens), and the composition and microstructure were qualitatively evaluated. The results of potential corrosion and corrosion current density were analyzed with a 1-way analysis of variance and the Tukey test for pairwise comparisons (α=.05). RESULTS: Base metal and tungsten inert gas welded material showed equivalent results in electrochemical corrosion tests, while the air-torched specimens exhibited low corrosion resistance. The performance was worst at pH 2.5. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that tungsten inert gas is a suitable welding process for use in dentistry, because the final microstructure does not reduce the corrosion resistance in artificial saliva at 37°C, even in a corrosion-testing medium that facilitates galvanic corrosion processes. Moreover, the corrosion current density of brazed Ni-Cr alloy joints was significantly higher (P<.001) than the base metal and tungsten inert gas welded joints.

[Ultra-structural study of Ni-Cr alloys used in joint prosthesis]. / Etude ultra-structurale des alliages Ni-Cr utilisés en prothèse conjointe.

Ni-Cr alloys used in denture set, which have excellent mechanical properties, have a chemical and electrochemical inertia that depends on their composition and their microstructure. The objective of our work was to study the ultrastructure of the Ni-Cr alloy exposed to a free corrosion and a chemical analysis of surface depending on its composition. For this, five electrodes Ni-Cr alloy were prepared at the prosthesis laboratory by varying their composition. An analysis of the ultrastructure of the samples made by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) samples was performed as well as a chemical analysis of their spectra. Prior to any manipulation, analysis by SEM of electrode number 5 (100% new metal) shows an altered surface. The electrode 3 (75% new metal) also presents an uneven surface. After a week in a free corrosion in Meyer solution at pH = 6.5, the electrode 5 shows a widespread intergranular and pitting corrosion. The same electrode 3 (75% new metal) after one week immersion in Ringer's solution at pH 7.9, shows a widespread intergranular and pitting corrosion. After electrochemical testing in Ringer's solution at pH 5, the SEM for electrode 1 (100% recovered metal) shows a very rugged structure with an important crevice corrosion. The composition and terms of shaping the Ni-Cr alloy influence its microstructure and at the same time its electrochemical behavior.

Microstructural and mechanical characterization of contemporary lingual orthodontic brackets.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the composition and the microstructural and mechanical characterization of three different types of lingual brackets. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Incognito™ (3M Unitek), In-Ovation L (DENTSPLY GAC) and STb™ (Light Lingual System, ORMCO) lingual brackets were studied under the scanning electron microscope employing backscattered electron imaging and their elemental composition was analysed by energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis. Additionally, Vickers hardness was assessed using a universal hardness-testing machine, and the indentation modulus was measured according to instrumented indentation test. Two-way analysis of variance was conducted employing bracket type and location (base and wing) as discriminating variable. Significant differences among groups were allocated by post hoc Student-Newman-Keuls multiple comparison analysis at 95% level of significance. RESULTS: Three different phases were identified for Incognito and In-Ovation L bracket based on mean atomic number contrast. On the contrary, STb did not show mean atomic contrast areas and thus it is recognized as a single phase. Incognito is a one-piece bracket with the same structure in wing and base regions. Incognito consists mainly of noble metals while In-Ovation L and STb show similar formulations of ferrous alloys in wing and base regions. No significant differences were found between ferrous brackets in hardness and modulus values, but there were significant differences between wing and base regions. Incognito illustrated intermediate values with significant differences from base and wing values of ferrous brackets. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS: Significant differences exist in microstructure, elemental composition, and mechanical properties among the brackets tested; these might have a series of clinical implications during mechanotherapy.

Analysis of four dental alloys following torch/centrifugal and induction/ vacuum-pressure casting procedures.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Previous studies have shown casting methodology to influence the as-cast properties of dental casting alloys. It is important to consider clinically important mechanical properties so that the influence of casting can be clarified. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate how torch/centrifugal and inductively cast and vacuum-pressure casting machines may affect the castability, microhardness, chemical composition, and microstructure of 2 high noble, 1 noble, and 1 base metal dental casting alloys. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two commonly used methods for casting were selected for comparison: torch/centrifugal casting and inductively heated/ vacuum-pressure casting. One hundred and twenty castability patterns were fabricated and divided into 8 groups. Four groups were torch/centrifugally cast in Olympia (O), Jelenko O (JO), Genesis II (G), and Liberty (L) alloys. Similarly, 4 groups were cast in O, JO, G, and L by an inductively induction/vacuum-pressure casting machine. Each specimen was evaluated for casting completeness to determine a castability value, while porosity was determined by standard x-ray techniques. Each group was metallographically prepared for further evaluation that included chemical composition, Vickers microhardness, and grain analysis of microstructure. Two-way ANOVA was used to determine significant differences among the main effects. Statistically significant effects were examined further with the Tukey HSD procedure for multiple comparisons. Data obtained from the castability experiments were non-normal and the variances were unequal. They were analyzed statistically with the Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test. Significant results were further investigated statistically with the Steel-Dwass method for multiple comparisons (α=.05). RESULTS: The alloy type had a significant effect on surface microhardness (P<.001). In contrast, the technique used for casting did not affect the microhardness of the test specimen (P=.465). Similarly, the interaction between the alloy and casting technique was not significant (P=.119). A high level of castability (98.5% on average) was achieved overall. The frequency of casting failures as a function of alloy type and casting method was determined. Failure was defined as a castability index score of <100%. Three of 28 possible comparisons between alloy and casting combinations were statistically significant. The results suggested that casting technique affects the castability index of alloys. Radiographic analysis detected large porosities in regions near the edge of the castability pattern and infrequently adjacent to noncast segments. All castings acquired traces of elements found in the casting crucibles. The grain size for each dental casting alloy was generally finer for specimens produced by the induction/vacuum-pressure method. The difference was substantial for JO and L. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated a relation between casting techniques and some physical properties of metal ceramic casting alloys.

Metal ion concentrations in body fluids after implantation of hip replacements with metal-on-metal bearing--systematic review of clinical and epidemiological studies.

INTRODUCTION: The use of metal-on-metal (MoM) total hip arthroplasty (THA) increased in the last decades. A release of metal products (i.e. particles, ions, metallo-organic compounds) in these implants may cause local and/or systemic adverse reactions. Metal ion concentrations in body fluids are surrogate measures of metal exposure. OBJECTIVE: To systematically summarize and critically appraise published studies concerning metal ion concentrations after MoM THA. METHODS: Systematic review of clinical trials (RCTs) and epidemiological studies with assessment of metal ion levels (cobalt, chromium, titanium, nickel, molybdenum) in body fluids after implantation of metalliferous hip replacements. Systematic search in PubMed and Embase in January 2012 supplemented by hand search. Standardized abstraction of pre- and postoperative metal ion concentrations stratified by type of bearing (primary explanatory factor), patient characteristics as well as study quality characteristics (secondary explanatory factors). RESULTS: Overall, 104 studies (11 RCTs, 93 epidemiological studies) totaling 9.957 patients with measurement of metal ions in body fluids were identified and analyzed. Consistently, median metal ion concentrations were persistently elevated after implantation of MoM-bearings in all investigated mediums (whole blood, serum, plasma, erythrocytes, urine) irrespective of patient characteristics and study characteristics. In several studies very high serum cobalt concentrations above 50 µg/L were measured (detection limit typically 0.3 µg/L). Highest metal ion concentrations were observed after treatment with stemmed large-head MoM-implants and hip resurfacing arthroplasty. DISCUSSION: Due to the risk of local and systemic accumulation of metallic products after treatment with MoM-bearing, risk and benefits should be carefully balanced preoperatively. The authors support a proposed "time out" for stemmed large-head MoM-THA and recommend a restricted indication for hip resurfacing arthroplasty. Patients with implanted MoM-bearing should receive regular and standardized monitoring of metal ion concentrations. Further research is indicated especially with regard to potential systemic reactions due to accumulation of metal products.

Characterization of wear debris in total elbow arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate wear debris in periprosthetic tissues at the time of revision total elbow arthroplasty. Polyethylene, metallic, and bone cement debris were characterized, and the tissue response was quantified. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Capsular and medullary tissue samples were collected during revision surgery. Polyethylene debris was characterized by scanning electron microscopy after tissue digestion. The concentrations of metal and cement debris were quantified by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Tissue response was graded with a semiquantitative histologic method. RESULTS: Polyethylene particle size varied from the submicron range to over 100 µm. The mean diameter ranged from 0.6 µm to about 1 µm. Particles in the synovial tissues were larger and less abundant than those in tissues from the medullary canal. Cement, titanium alloy, and low levels of cobalt-chrome debris were also present, with cement predominating over metal debris. Histiocyte response was associated with small polyethylene particles (0.5-2 µm), and giant cells were associated with large polyethylene particles (>2 µm). Histiocyte scores positively correlated with the polyethylene particle number and the presence of metal. DISCUSSION: We have shown that periprosthetic tissues of total elbow patients who have undergone revision for loosening and osteolysis contain polyethylene, cement, and metal debris. Although the polyethylene particles were of a size and shape that have been previously shown to result in activation of phagocytic cells, osteolysis after total elbow arthroplasty is a multimodal process. Because of the presence of multiple wear particle sources, a cause-and-effect relationship between polyethylene debris and osteolysis cannot be established with certainty.

Avaliação da microestrutura, microdureza e resistência à corrosão de juntas soldadas de uma liga de Ni-Cr obtidas através de diferentes processos de soldagem / Evaluation of the microstructure, hardness and corrosion resistance of welded joints of a Ni-Cr alloy obtained by different welding processes

Este trabalho avaliou o comportamento eletroquímico do metal de base (MB) de uma liga a base de níquel-cromo em relação a juntas soldadas desta liga obtidas pelos processos de brasagem (BRA) e Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG), imersos em saliva artificial com pH 2,5 e 5,5. Foram também realizados ensaios de microdureza e caracterização microestrutural, por meio de microscopia óptica e eletrônica de varredura e análise química semi-quantitativa por EDS, nos grupos MB, TIG, BRA e no cordão de solda a laser (LAS). O MB apresentou uma matriz rica em níquel e cromo, distribuída em um arranjo dendrítico típico, apresentando inclusões metálicas de silício e titânio, além de porosidades. As soldas TIG e LAS revelaram uma microestrutura mais refinada que o MB, mostrando, entretanto, uma mesma composição química e distribuição de seus elementos. A solda BRA apresentou diferenças marcantes em sua microestrutura, composição química e distribuição de seus elementos em relação ao MB. Os dados de microdureza Vickers (HV), potencial de corrosão (Ecorr) e densidade de corrente de corrosão (jcorr) foram analisados com ANOVA e teste de Tukey (p<0,05). Para determinação da influência do pH quanto a resistência à corrosão dos grupos MB, TIG e BRA, empregou-se o teste t de Student (p<0,05). O MB apresentou menor média de microdureza (256,13 ± 9,39 HV), seguido pelos grupos TIG (271,53 ± 8,07 HV), LAS (303,73 ± 13,93 HV) e BRA (551,99 ± 37,73 HV). Em pH 2,5 as médias do Ecorr (mV) para o MB, TIG e BRA foram, respectivamente, -67,9 ± 8,43, -52,78 ± 16,74, e -284,33 ± 19,04; e em pH 5,5, médias de -54,03 ± 21,15, -62,08 ± 20,16 e -278,8 ± 28,96. Os valores médios de jcorr (µA.cm-2) para o MB, TIG e BRA em pH 2,5 foram, respectivamente, 2,49 ± 0,95, 5,584 ± 1,64 e 27,45 ± 4,9; e em pH 5,5, médias de 1,929 ± 0,83, 4,267 ± 1,51 e 54,2 ± 11,96. Os grupos MB e TIG apresentaram boa resistência à corrosão, com maior módulo de impedância em relação ao grupo BRA. As diferenças no pH da ...

This study evaluated and compared the electrochemical behavior of the base metal (BM) of a nickel-chromium dental alloy with welded joints obtained by brazing processes (BRA) and Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG), when immersed in artificial saliva at pH 2.5 and 5.5. Microhardness, microstructural characterization by means of optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and semi-quantitative chemical analysis by Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), were performed in the groups BM, TIG, BRA and in joints weld by laser (LAS). The BM showed a matrix rich in nickel and chromium, distributed in a typical dendritic arrangement, with inclusions of silicon and titanium, and porosities. LAS and TIG welds reveled a microstructure more refined than the BM, however, the same chemical composition and distribution of its elements. BRA showed marked differences in their microstructure, chemical composition and distribution of the elements in relation to BM. Vickers microhardness (HV), corrosion potential (Ecorr) and corrosion current density (jcorr) were statistically analyzed with ANOVA and Tukey test (p <0.05). In order to determine the influence of pH and corrosion resistance in groups BM, TIG and BRA, Student t test, with significance level of 95% was used. BM had the lowest average microhardness (HV 256.13 ± 9.39), followed by groups TIG (271.53 ± 8.07 HV), LAS (303.73 ± 13.93 HV) and BRA (551, HV 99 ± 37.73). At pH 2.5 the average Ecorr (mV) for the MB and TIG were respectively -67.9 ± 8.43 and -52.78 ± 16.74, and at pH 5.5, averaging -54, 03 ± 21.15 and -62.08 ± 20.16. LAS group showed averages of Ecorr (mV) at pH 2.5 and 5.5, respectively, -284.33 ± 19.04 and 28.96 ± -278.8. The average values of jcorr (ìA.cm-2) to BM and TIG at pH 2.5 were respectively 2.49 ± 0.95 and 5.584 ± 1.64, and at pH 5.5, 1.929 ± 0.83 and 4.267 ± 1.51. Average jcorr for LAS group (ìA.cm-2) at pH 2.5 and 5.5 were respectively 27.45 ± 4.9 and 11.96 ± 54.2. BM and TIG ...

Distribution of metal released from cobalt-chromium alloy orthopaedic wear particles implanted into air pouches in mice.

Metal-on-metal hip replacement implants generate wear debris and release ions both locally and systemically in patients. To investigate dissemination of metal, we determined blood and organ levels of cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), and molybdenum (Mo) following the implantation of Co-Cr alloy wear debris in mice using skin pouches as a model system. We observed increased metal levels in blood for up to 72 h; the levels of Co were highest and remained elevated for 7 days. Co levels were elevated in all organs studied (liver, kidney, spleen, lung, heart, brain, and testes), with the peak at 48 h; highest levels were measured in liver and kidney (838.9 ± 223.7 ng/g in liver, and 938.8 ± 131.6 ng/g in kidney). Organ Cr levels were considerably lower than Co levels, for example, Cr in kidney was 117.2 ± 12.6 ng/g tissue at 48 h. Co is more mobile than Cr, reaching higher levels at earlier time points. This could be due to local tissue binding of Cr. Exposure to Co-Cr particles in vivo altered antioxidant enzyme expression and activities. We observed induction of catalase protein in the liver and glutathione reductase (GR) and peroxidase (GPx) proteins in the spleen. Activities of catalase and GPx in the liver were significantly increased while that of GR was decreased in the kidney. Organs of mice with Co-Cr particle implantation were exposed to increased metal levels capable of inducing reactive oxygen species scavenging enzymes, suggesting the tissue may be subjected to oxidative stress; however, the overall antioxidant defence system was not markedly disturbed.

Weight of polyethylene wear particles is similar in TKAs with oxidized zirconium and cobalt-chrome prostheses.

BACKGROUND: The greater lubricity and resistance to scratching of oxidized zirconium femoral components are expected to result in less polyethylene wear than cobalt-chrome femoral components. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We examined polyethylene wear particles in synovial fluid and compared the weight, size (equivalent circle diameter), and shape (aspect ratio) of polyethylene wear particles in knees with an oxidized zirconium femoral component with those in knees with a cobalt-chrome femoral component. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred patients received an oxidized zirconium femoral component in one knee and a cobalt-chrome femoral component in the other. There were 73 women and 27 men with a mean age of 55.6 years (range, 44-60 years). The minimum followup was 5 years (mean, 5.5 years; range, 5-6 years). Polyethylene wear particles were analyzed using thermogravimetric methods and scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: The weight of polyethylene wear particles produced at the bearing surface was 0.0223 +/- 0.0054 g in 1 g synovial fluid in patients with an oxidized zirconium femoral component and 0.0228 +/- 0.0062 g in patients with a cobalt-chrome femoral component. Size and shape of polyethylene wear particles were 0.59 +/- 0.05 microm and 1.21 +/- 0.24, respectively, in the patients with an oxidized zirconium femoral component and 0.52 +/- 0.03 microm and 1.27 +/- 0.31, respectively, in the patients with a cobalt-chrome femoral component. Knee Society knee and function scores, radiographic results, and complication rate were similar between the knees with an oxidized zirconium and cobalt-chrome femoral component. CONCLUSIONS: The weight, size, and shape of polyethylene wear particles were similar in the knees with an oxidized zirconium and a cobalt-chrome femoral component. We found the theoretical advantages of this surface did not provide the actual advantage. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, therapeutic study. See the guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Investigating the immunologic effects of CoCr nanoparticles.

The increase in metal-on-metal hip arthroplasties has led to concern regarding the effect of raised serum and tissue metal ion levels. Our aim was to determine changes in the integrity and function of cells of the immune system after exposure to CoCr nanoparticles in specific cell culture experiments. Nanometer-sized particles of CoCr were made from a manufacturer's forged CoCr used for metal-on-metal articulations. Primary, murine dendritic cells and T and B lymphocytes then were exposed to these CoCr particles under cell culture conditions and then assayed for viability and proliferation/activation. CoCr nanoparticles did not directly activate dendritic cells or regulate B cells. Although nanoparticles were not directly toxic to resting T cells, Signals 1- and 2-dependent T cell proliferation were reduced. This may explain the observed reduction in CD8+ T cells observed in patients with metal-on-metal implants.

Biomonitoring of two types of chromium exposure in an electroplating shop.

OBJECTIVES: This study is concerned with two specific chromium (Cr) exposure situations at a hard-process electroplating company. Its aims are to define variations in urinary Cr concentration and to clarify their exposure relationships. METHODS: Airborne chromium exposure and urinary excretion were measured for a-one week period. The majority of the exposed population was divided into two groups distinguishing chromium plating and polishing functions. Analysis of airborne Cr distinguished water soluble Cr(VI), water total soluble Cr and water insoluble Cr. Volunteers provided 6-7 urine samples per day for a monitoring period of 7 days. RESULTS: Differences between the two groups appear in relation to the type of exposure. Low concentration water soluble Cr(VI) (5.3 microg/m3 maximum) in electroplating shops is practically undetected in other workshops. Water insoluble Cr present in low concentration in electroplating exceeds 1 mg/m3 in polishing shops. Total soluble Cr concentrations are similar in these two activities (3-10 microg/m3). In polishing, 0.4% of the Cr aerosol comprises soluble Cr. Urinary Cr varied according to a 24 h cycle in similar manner in both groups throughout the monitoring week. Minimum values (3-10 microg/g crea) occurred when starting a work shift, following by a rapid rise as soon as exposure commenced, whilst maximum values (12-30 microg/g crea) were recorded towards the end of the work shift. CONCLUSIONS: Although uncorrelated with soluble Cr(VI), urinary Cr (24 h) is effectively related to the soluble fraction of airborne chromium. In the case of chromium electroplating, correspondence between exposure and excretion appears to be governed by relationships different to those emerging from stainless steel welding, from which current biological limit values have been derived.

Surface and elemental alterations of dental alloys induced by electro discharge machining (EDM).

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the surface and elemental alterations induced by electro discharge machining (EDM) on the surface of dental cast alloys used for the fabrication of implant retained meso- and super-structures. METHODS: A completed cast model of an arch that received dental implants was used for the preparation of six wax patterns which were divided into three groups (Au, Co and Ti). The wax patterns of the Au and Co groups were invested with conventional phosphate-bonded silica-based investment material and the Ti group with magnesia-based investment material. The investment rings of the Au and Co groups were cast with an Au-Ag alloy (Stabilor G) and a Co-Cr base alloy (Okta C), respectively, while the investment rings of group Ti were cast with cp Ti (Biotan). One casting of each group was subjected to electro discharge machining (EDM); the other was conventionally ground and polished. The surface morphology and the elemental compositions of conventionally and EDM-finished surfaces were studied by SEM/X-ray EDS analysis. Six spectra were collected from each surface employing the area scan mode and the mean value of each element between conventionally and EDM-finished surfaces was statistically analyzed by t-test (a=0.05). Then the specimens of each group were cut perpendicular to their longitudinal axis and after metallographic grinding and polishing the cross-sections studied under the SEM. RESULTS: The EDM surfaces showed a significant increase in C due to the decomposition of the dielectric fluid during spark erosion. Moreover, a significant Cu uptake was noted on these surfaces from the decomposition of the Cu electrodes used for EDM. Cross-sectional analysis showed that all alloys developed a superficial zone (recast layer) varying from 2 microm for Au-Ag to 10 microm for Co-Cr alloy. SIGNIFICANCE: The elemental composition of dental alloy surfaces is significantly altered after EDM treatment.

Environmental contamination assessment of the surroundings of the ex-ferrochromium smelter Dugi Rat, Croatia.

The objective of this study was to chemically characterize the soil samples affected by the dust emission and slag dumping from ferrochromium smelter, as well as uptake of metals by vegetation growing on that soil. There were 38 samples collected altogether, including unpolluted background soil samples, polluted soil samples taken in the vicinity of the factory, slag material, bottom and fly ash. Grass material was also taken from both polluted and unpolluted soil. All samples were analyzed with energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF). The results showed (especially for chromium and manganese) metal concentrations in soil samples taken in the vicinity of the factory increased up to 56 times in relation to normal background soil concentrations. Slag material, fly and bottom ash were highly enriched with chromium, manganese and nickel. There was a significant chromium uptake by vegetation growing on the contaminated soil.

Effect of impact assembly on the fretting corrosion of modular hip tapers.

The goal of this study was to determine the effect of assembly load and local assembly environmental conditions on the fretting corrosion of modular femoral stem tapers. Femoral head/taper assemblies in both similar (CoCrMo/CoCrMo) and mixed (CoCrMo/Ti-6Al-4V) alloy combinations were evaluated using an electrochemical test method. Specimens were assembled under impact loading and by hand, in both wet and dry conditions. Incremental cyclic loads ranging from 89 to 5,340 N were applied at a frequency of 3 Hz in Ringer's solution at ambient temperature. During the test, both the open circuit potential (OCP) and fretting current (i(fret)) were measured using a saturated calomel electrode (SCE) and counter electrode, respectively. The results were comparable for both mixed and similar alloy couples. Decreases in OCP and increases in i(fret) (indicators of oxide film fracture and repassivation) were seen with increasing load magnitude, often occurring at loads well below those expected clinically. OCP at the 5,340 N cyclic load ranged from -30.4 to -103.7 mV versus SCE for similar alloy couples, and -19.1 to -181.4 mV versus SCE for mixed alloy couples. Mean peak fretting currents ranged from 0.84 to 1.42 microA and 1.06 to 3.12 microA for similar and mixed alloy couples, respectively. The larger current magnitudes and more negative shifts in OCP for mixed alloy couples indicate the difference in oxide film fracture behavior between titanium and cobalt alloys. The load at which OCP began to drop (onset of fretting) was dependent upon the assembly conditions for both material couples. Specimens assembled with impact loads in air showed the highest resistance to fretting. The results of this study indicate that the assembly load and the environment both play a role in the initial stability of modular hip taper connections.

The application of batch extraction tests for the characterisation of solidified ferro alloy waste products.

Leach testing is arguably the best indicator of the effectiveness of pre-landfill treatments, including solidification/stabilisation (S/S), in reducing mobility of waste constituents. The results of leach tests can, however, also be interpreted to provide an understanding of the mechanisms via which toxic species are retained in the S/S product. An understanding of retention mechanisms contributes to the development of improved waste treatment systems. In this paper, we explore the applicability of four extraction tests, Pore Solution Expressions, the TCLP, the Equilibrium Extraction (EE) and the Sequential Chemical Extraction (SCE) for providing a description of the mechanisms of containment within an S/S product. The waste materials explored here are ferrochrome dusts with high levels of metals including Cr and Zn. The errors in results from the pore solution expressions and sequential chemical extractions were too high to draw any quantitative conclusions, although some qualitative comments could be made. The latter observations, however, were consistent with those from the other two tests, and together these build a comprehensive picture of the S/S products. For these specific products, it is suggested that a small amount (approximately 1%) of the Cr is Cr(VI) which is readily mobile, approximately 5% is Cr(III) which is mobile under acidic conditions and the remainder is a stabile chromite which is not readily mobile. For Zn, however, roughly equal proportions are contained as a species (possibly Zn(OH)2) whose release is pH dependent, and as a stable, immobile species on the surface of the dust particles.

Corrosion behaviour of cobalt-chromium dental alloys doped with precious metals.

Precious metal based dental alloys generally exhibit a superior corrosion resistance, in particular enhanced resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion, compared to non-precious metal based alloys such as CoCr alloys. A new generation of Co-Cr alloys enriched with precious metals (Au, Pt, Ru) have now appeared on the market. The goal of this study was to clarify the effect of the precious metals additions on the corrosion behaviour of such alloys. Various commercial alloys with different doping levels were tested by electrochemical techniques in two different milieus based on the Fusayama artificial saliva and an electrolyte containing NaCl. Open circuit potentials, corrosion currents, polarization resistances, and crevices potentials were determined for the various alloys and completed by a coulometric analysis of the potentiodynamic curves. In addition, the microstructures were characterised by metallography and phase compositions analysed by EDX. The results show that the presence of precious metals can deteriorate the corrosion behaviour of Co-Cr alloys in a significant way. Gold doping, in particular, produces heterogeneous microstructures that are vulnerable to corrosive attack.