title: An Overview of Internal Fixation Implant Metallurgy and Galvanic Corrosion Effects.
abstract: Orthopedic and hand surgery implants for internal fixation of fractures have evolved substantially over the past 50 years. Newer metal compositions have been used, and new standards have been applied to older alloys, resulting in modern implants with unique physical properties and better clinical performances. Conventional wisdom has long dictated that implanting different metals should be avoided, but few guidelines exist regarding the safety of using in proximity implant systems of dissimilar metals. To better characterize the landscape of internal fixation implant metallurgy, we have compiled the recommendations and conclusions of the currently available and pertinent literature.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA.
authors.forename: Justin
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Koh
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA.
authors.forename: Aaron
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Berger
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA. Electronic address: pbenhaim@mednet.ucla.edu.
authors.forename: Prosper
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Benhaim
mesh_terms: D000497:Alloys; D003343:Corrosion; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D016268:Internal Fixators; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D013193:Stainless Steel; D014025:Titanium
chemical_list: D000497:Alloys; D013193:Stainless Steel; D014025:Titanium
keywords: Metallurgy; corrosion; steel; titanium