Effects of hydrogen peroxide solutions on artificial hip joint implants

This study was designed to elucidate the erosive effect of hydrogen peroxide solutions on the materials used for total-hip arthroplasty (THA). As test materials, cross-linked polyethylene, Ti-6Al-4V alloy, and thermal sprayed hydroxyapatite (HA) were used. Changes upon soaking in 3% hydrogen peroxide, before soaking, 1 minute after soaking, 10 minutes after soaking, and 180 minutes after soaking were examined. Scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared analysis, and x-ray diffraction were used for this examination. Hydrogen peroxide did not affect polyethylene, although notable changes in the Ti-6Al-4V alloy and HA did occur. These results indicate that caution should also be exercised to minimize erosion of prosthesis consisting of HA and Ti alloy when hydrogen peroxide solutions are used during total-hip arthroplasty.