The study presents the results of investigations of modeling the usable properties of implant surfaces made of Ti6Al7Nb alloy, using the example of a dynamic hip screw (DHS) applied in surgical treatment of intertrochanteric femoral neck fractures. Numerical simulation has been performed for the model load of femoral fixation with DHS screw. The load simulation results provided the basis to select mechanical properties of the fixator elements and to define those fixation areas which are mostly susceptible to development of corrosion. The surfaces of Ti6Al7Nb alloy were ground, vibro-abrasive machined, mechanically polished, sandblasted, anode oxidized at different voltage values and steam sterilized. Results of surface topography evaluation, resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion as well as degradation kinetics of the outer layer were presented. Usability of the formed passive layer in clinical applications was evaluated through wear and corrosion tests of the femoral fixation model. The test results proved usefulness of the proposed surface modification methods for clinical application of different size and shape implants

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of long-term exposure of Ringer’s solution on degradation of the anodically oxidated Ti6Al4V alloy coated with a biodegradable polymer coating. Polymeric coatings made of poly(glycolide-ε-caprolactone) – G-Cap and poly(glycolide- ε-caprolactone-lactide) – G-Cap-L were applied by a dip-coating method. Degradation was assessed on the basis of the results of pitting corrosion resistance and density of metal ions infiltrating to the solution. Studies were conducted for samples after 3, 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks of exposure to the corrosive environment. In addition, topography of the surface of the polymer coating was assessed. As a result of potentiodynamic studies, the value of the polarization resistance and corrosion potential for the G-Cap and G-Cap-L coated samples were significantly decreased while simultaneous reduction of the density of metal ions infiltrating to the solution throughout the whole study period. There was also observed a faster degradation of the G-Cap coating compared to G-Cap-L, which showed local discontinuity after 12 weeks of exposure. The obtained results provide the basis for the development of polymeric coatings on surface of metal implants with predictable time / kinetics of degradation by selecting the composition of polymers while simultaneous limitation of metal ions infiltration into surrounding tissues.

The paper presents the influence of mechanical surface damage on the physicochemical properties of plates after implantation made of CrNiMo stainless steel, used in the treatment of anterior surface deformity of the chest. Analysis of the data allowed us to investigate the effect of implant design and condition of their surface on the results of chest deformation treatment. Results of electrochemical, impedance and surface wettability tests and SEM observations were compared with clinical observations. When removing the plates we found only slight inflammatory-periosteal reactions. On the basis of obtained results, it can be stated that plates, in spite of mechanical damage of the surface, were characterized by good corrosion resistance, a fact which is confirmed by the results of clinical evaluation