There is increasing global awareness of adverse
reactions to metal debris and elevated serum metal ion concentrations
following the use of second generation metal-on-metal total hip
arthroplasties. The high incidence of these complications can be
largely attributed to corrosion at the head-neck interface. Severe
corrosion of the taper is identified most commonly in association
with larger diameter femoral heads. However, there is emerging evidence
of varying levels of corrosion observed in retrieved components
with smaller diameter femoral heads. This same mechanism of galvanic
and mechanically-assisted crevice corrosion has been observed in
metal-on-polyethylene and ceramic components, suggesting an inherent
biomechanical problem with current designs of the head-neck interface. We provide a review of the fundamental questions and answers
clinicians and researchers must understand regarding corrosion of
the taper, and its relevance to current orthopaedic practice. Cite this article:
