Metal is not inert: role of metal ions released by biocorrosion in aseptic loosening--current concepts.
Metal implants are essential therapeutic tools for the treatment of bone fractures and joint replacements. The metals and metal alloys used in contemporary orthopedic and trauma surgery are well tolerated by the majority of patients. However, complications resulting from inflammatory and immune reactions to metal implants have been well documented. This review briefly discusses the different mechanisms of metal implant corrosion in the human body, which lead to the release of significant levels of metal ions into the peri-implant tissues and the systemic blood circulation. Additionally, this article reviews the effects of the released ions on bone metabolism and the immune system and discusses their involvement in the pathophysiological mechanisms of aseptic loosening and metal hypersensitivity in patients with metal implants.
School of Anatomy and Human Biology, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia. dcadosch@gmx.net
Dieter
D
Cadosch
Erwin
E
Chan
Oliver P
OP
Gautschi
Luis
L
Filgueira
D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D003343:Corrosion; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000187:drug effects; D007477:Ions; D008670:Metals / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology; D011475:Prosthesis Failure
D007477:Ions; D008670:Metals