Portal de Periódicos da CAPES

Characterization, quantification, and isolation of aluminum oxide particles on grit blasted titanium aluminum alloy hip implants

2007; Wiley; Volume: 83B; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1002/jbm.b.30775

1552-4981

Alexander Grübl, Alexander Kolb, Georg Reinisch, Günter Fafilek, Gobert von Skrbensky, R. Kotz,

Orthopedic Infections and Treatments

Abstract Background: This study was undertaken to verify whether or not the microstructure of aluminum alloy implants interferes with the characterization and quantification of aluminum inclusions on their surfaces, resulting from grit blasting. Methods: Four factory‐fresh prostheses were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray microanalysis. Specimens were cut out of the stems and the cross‐sections analyzed. The specimens were etched in hot 25% hydrochloric acid. The hydrochloric acid was subsequently filtered with a 0.2‐μm‐pore filter. The filters were scanned using electron microscopy and X‐ray microanalysis. Results: Aluminum oxide particles were found on all investigated stems; the diameter of the particles ranged from 4 to 100 μm. One hundred fifty‐four particles were counted per mm 2 . No particles were seen on the cross‐sections of the implants. Scanning electron microscopy of the Millipore filters revealed aluminum oxide particles. Conclusion: Remnants of grit blasting were found only on the surfaces; none were observed on cross‐sections. We conclude that the microstructure of titanium aluminum alloy does not interfere with the identification and quantification of particles. Particles were identified on the filters by electron microscopy and X‐ray microanalysis. Aluminum oxide on the surface of grit‐blasted titanium aluminum alloy implants is, in fact, a residue of grit blasting. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2007