Determination of metallic ion transfer from an implanted prosthesis by thePIXE method

Prostheses can release some metallic elements to the surrounding tissues, p articularly when they are not covered with a biomaterial layer and when an unsealing process happens. We try to measure major and trace elements in th ese tissues with an experimentally sensitive method. Proton-induced X-ray e mission is used to detect about 10 elements in tissue. Tissues are calcinat ed and deposited in a thin layer before irradiation. Results are obtained i n a standard and samples from three patients. We observe contamination by T i, Cr, Ni, and ZI I in the tissues. Correlations are to be studied between these atomic transfers and prosthesis in the patient.