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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 29, 2026

Biotribological Testing and Analysis of Articular Cartilage Sliding against Metal for Implants
09:08

Biotribological Testing and Analysis of Articular Cartilage Sliding against Metal for Implants

Published on: May 14, 2020

Combining dissimilar metals in orthopaedic implants: revisited.

Kevin C Zartman1, Gregory C Berlet, Christopher F Hyer

  • 1Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Center, Westerville, Ohio 43082, USA.

Foot & Ankle Specialist
|September 20, 2011
PubMed
Summary

Orthopaedic surgeons often face decisions about using mixed metal implants. This review examines corrosion risks and studies to guide safe implant combinations, ensuring patient safety and implant longevity.

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Area of Science:

  • Orthopaedic Surgery
  • Biomaterials Science
  • Metallurgy

Background:

  • Metallic implants are widely used in orthopaedics, with cobalt-chrome, stainless steel, and titanium being common materials.
  • Metallurgic principles advise against combining dissimilar metals in biological environments due to corrosion concerns.
  • Surgeons traditionally avoid mixed-metal implants to prevent complications like aseptic loosening and implant failure.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the origins of concerns regarding the use of dissimilar metals in orthopaedic implants.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms of corrosion relevant to surgical implants.
  • To review existing in vitro and in vivo studies on common dissimilar metal combinations in orthopaedics.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of metallurgical principles and corrosion mechanisms.

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Potentiodynamic Corrosion Testing
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Potentiodynamic Corrosion Testing

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Last Updated: May 29, 2026

Biotribological Testing and Analysis of Articular Cartilage Sliding against Metal for Implants
09:08

Biotribological Testing and Analysis of Articular Cartilage Sliding against Metal for Implants

Published on: May 14, 2020

Potentiodynamic Corrosion Testing
08:43

Potentiodynamic Corrosion Testing

Published on: September 4, 2016

  • Analysis of in vitro studies evaluating electrochemical interactions between common implant metals.
  • Synthesis of in vivo data from clinical cases involving mixed-metal orthopaedic implants.

    • Main Results:

    • Corrosion can occur when dissimilar metals are placed together in the body, potentially releasing ions.
    • Studies show varying degrees of corrosion susceptibility depending on the specific metal pairings and environmental factors.
    • Clinical outcomes associated with mixed-metal implants are complex and depend on multiple factors beyond simple metal combination.

    Conclusions:

    • Understanding corrosion mechanisms is crucial for orthopaedic surgeons when considering mixed-metal implant scenarios.
    • Evidence suggests that while risks exist, careful consideration of metal combinations and patient factors may allow for safe use of mixed implants.
    • Further research is needed to establish definitive guidelines for combining dissimilar metal implants in orthopaedic surgery.