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Updated: Jun 11, 2026
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Potentiodynamic Corrosion Testing
Published on: September 4, 2016
Corrosion Damage in Retrieved CoCrMo/Ti-6Al-4V Modular Junctions in Femoral Revision Total Knee Components
Hwaran Lee1,2, Michael A Kurtz3, Emma Barnes3
1Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA.
Summary
Corrosion at modular junctions in revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is similar to total hip arthroplasty (THA). This study found fretting, pitting, and titanium transfer, indicating TKA corrosion needs further clinical study.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Materials Science
Background:
- Modularity is common in revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA).
- Corrosion at modular junctions in TKA is less understood than in total hip arthroplasty (THA).
- Understanding TKA corrosion is crucial for improving implant longevity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate corrosion mechanisms at modular junctions in retrieved TKA femoral components.
- To compare corrosion modes in TKA with those previously identified in THA.
- To identify specific corrosion types and material transfer at TKA junctions.
Main Methods:
- Retrieval analysis of cobalt chromium molybdenum (CoCrMo) femoral components and titanium aluminum vanadium (Ti-6Al-4V) stems.
- Examination using Goldberg corrosion score, digital optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS).
- Analysis of corrosion modes including etching, pitting, intergranular corrosion, and fretting with material transfer.
Main Results:
- CoCrMo components showed etching, pitting, intergranular corrosion, and fretting scars with titanium transfer.
- Ti-6Al-4V stems exhibited plastic deformation, mechanically assisted crevice corrosion (MACC), and titanium-rich oxides.
- Findings suggest TKA modular junctions experience corrosion similar to THA.
Conclusions:
- Corrosion processes at TKA modular junctions share similarities with THA.
- Mechanically assisted corrosion and material transfer are significant concerns in TKA.
- Further clinical investigation into TKA corrosion is warranted to enhance patient outcomes.
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