CLINICAL AND LABORATORY INVESTIGATIONS OF FRETTING AND CORROSION OF A3-COMPONENT MODULAR FEMORAL STEM DESIGN

A retrieval analysis of three modular femoral stems in vivo up to 25 m onths were examined using laboratory-based comparisons of similar devi ces as controls. The internal taper connection of each retrieved femor al component, and the laboratory controls were evaluated using SEM, ED AX, and epoxy vacuum infiltration. No corrosion of the substrate was d etected for any of the retrievals. Fretting was mild on one retrieval and the in vitro-fatigued component, whereas minor fretting was observ ed for the other retrievals. Particulate debris was not evident as rev ealed by the epoxy infiltrate of the modular junction.