Influence of metal implants on the trace element contents in human and mammalian tissues and organs

The corrosion of metal implants in human and mammalian bodies by the body fluids leads to local reactions of the surrounding tissue commonly known as metallosis. With long-term implantations the corrosion products might even influence and disturb the trace element balance of the whole body. By means of instrumental neutron activation analysis the elements Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn, Se, Rb, Mo and Cs were determined in 19 samples of human contact tissue and fascia lata taken at distances of 4-8 cm from the V4A steels. The tissues were dissected 6 months to 5 1/2 years after femoral intertrochanteric osteotomy. Simultaneously, the possibility of long-term changes in the balance of trace elements and that of long-distance effects on specific organs was studied in 30 rabbits with osteosynthesis of the left hind leg (the bone fragments were fixed by V4A steel plates with 3 to 4 screws). One year after implantation, 350 samples of contact tissue, muscles lymphatic tissue, kidney, liver, lung and heart were analysed for K, Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn, Se, Rb, Mo and W. Four animals from the same breed, which were kept under identical conditions, served as controls. The results are discussed with respect to possible mechanisms of transport, catabolism and enrichment of corrosion products from V4A steel implants. (author)