Fretting Corrosion in Orthopedic Implants

Mechanism and Clinical Implications

The protective passive oxide layer (chromium oxide) that normally forms on stainless steel surfaces can be disrupted by micromotion between the screw heads and plate holes, exposing the underlying metal to the corrosive physiological environment, leading to fretting corrosion 1
Fretting corrosion can lead to the release of metal ions and debris into surrounding tissues, potentially causing hypersensitivity reactions in susceptible patients 3
Implant loosening and mechanical failure can occur in severe cases of fretting corrosion, which can be initiated by micromotion as little as 100 μm of direct contact 1
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons may recommend considering alternative materials, such as titanium alloys, in patients with known metal hypersensitivity to minimize the risk of fretting corrosion 1

Newer stainless steel alloys with higher nitrogen content have been shown to have improved resistance to fretting corrosion, according to the International Journal of Oral Science 1
The use of proper implant selection and surgical technique to minimize micromotion between components can help prevent fretting corrosion, as suggested by the available evidence 1