Load-bearing metallic implants: electrochemical characterisation of corrosion phenomena

Surgical management with implant devices is one of the major workable solutions as the pain has to be alleviated and patients have to resume their physical activities. The growing number of implant surgeries coupled with parallel increase in the revision surgeries of hip and knee implants has brought to focus the need to predict and understand the causes of failures of implant materials. The electrochemical and mechanical properties play a critical role in determining the lifespan of an implant. The onset of any one form of corrosion effects the mechanical properties of the implant leading to removal of the implant. The present article deals with the need for orthopaedic and dental implants, the metals and alloys currently used and their electrochemical corrosion and mechanical behaviour under in vitro conditions. Surface engineering of metals and alloys with coatings offers an ideal solution to enhance the implant performance in vivo with superior osseointegration and blood compatibility.