# METAL RELEASE BY TOTAL REPLACEMENT PROSTHESES

> **NIH NIH R01** · CLEMSON UNIVERSITY · 1990 · $185,487

## Abstract

Clinical studies have shown significant release of metal bearing
ionic species from total joint replacements, both acutely and in
the long term.  In vitro cytotoxicity and animal implantation
studies suggest adverse biological roles for such released
materials.  However, their origin is unclear:  they may be
produced by uniform corrosion, or by wear and fretting during
articulation or by some combination of these and other processes.

A series of in vitro and in vivo studies is proposed to examine
some features of metal release in the two common alloy systems
in use today: cobalt-base and titanium-base.  Four main
experimental models are to be used:  in vitro passive release,
anodic release and cyclic loading and release from an in vivo rat
THR.  Independent experimental material parameters will include
alloy composition, heat treatment and surface treatment.
Analytical techniques will include atomic absorption spectroscopy
(AAS), scanning electron microscopy with electron diffraction x-
ray analysis (SEM/EDAX) and secondary ion mass spectroscopy
(SIMS).

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3159370
- **Project number:** 5R01AR039334-03
- **Recipient organization:** CLEMSON UNIVERSITY
- **SAM.gov UEI:** H2BMNX7DSKU8
- **Principal Investigator:** Jonathan Black
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1990
- **Award amount:** $185,487
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1989-06-01 → 1992-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3159370

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3159370, METAL RELEASE BY TOTAL REPLACEMENT PROSTHESES (5R01AR039334-03). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3159370. Licensed CC0.

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