Electrical Implications of Corrosion for Osseointegration of Titanium Implants

Abstract

The success rate of titanium implants for dental and orthopedic applications depends on the ability of surrounding bone tissue to integrate with the surface of the device, and it remains far from ideal in patients with bone compromised by physiological factors. The electrical properties and electrical stimulation of bone have been shown to control its growth and healing and can enhance osseointegration. Bone cells are also sensitive to the chemical products generated during corrosion events, but less is known about how the electrical signals associated with corrosion might affect osseointegration. The metallic nature of the materials used for implant applications and the corrosive environments found in the human body, in combination with the continuous and cyclic loads to which these implants are exposed, may lead to corrosion and its corresponding electrochemical products. The abnormal electrical currents produced during corrosion can convert any metallic implant into an electrode, and the negative impact on the surrounding tissue due to these extreme signals could be an additional cause of poor performance and rejection of implants. Here, we review basic aspects of the electrical properties and electrical stimulation of bone, as well as fundamental concepts of aqueous corrosion and its electrical and clinical implications.

Intraoperative measurement of bone electrical potential: a piece in the puzzle of understanding fracture healing

“…Corroded metal implant can act as a battery, which makes this process even more complex. Corrosion of metal implants can interfere with osseointegration and bone healing; and can lead to implant failure 26,27 .…”

The Dental Architect

“…Again, important for our purposes is the fact that dental surgery had recognized, and does today, this potential "electro-chemical" issue and its actions upon our implants, screw posts, other metals like amalgams, and crown and bridge metal restoration and its effect upon the oral cavity [2,3]. Related to this issue we present our Case Study.…”

“…We offer patients in our practice neurological assessments for various facial non-specific pain by measuring the electrical dc output of metals with a potentiometer (multi-meter: measuring mV=millivolts, and uA=micro -amperage [1][2][3] (EAV assessment and acupuncture may be useful tools also. ).…”

“…Normal tissues of the oral cavity do not create micro-amperages, but have voltage. These dc currents may impact human tissue cells and bacteria cells adversely or beneficially by the rust components of the metal in question [2].…”

Dental İmplantlarda Yapisal Ve Yüzey Özelli̇kleri̇

“…38 Ġmplant kemik osteointegrasyonunun daha yüksek oranlarda sağlanabilmesi için biyokondüktif ve biyoaktif faktörlerle implantların kaplanması son yıllarda popüler bir konu haline gelmiştir. Bu amaçla CaP, peptitler, büyüme faktörleri ve BMP-2 gibi faktörlerle ilgili çalışmalar da mevcuttur.…”