Overview of Corrosion in Medical Devices and Detection Methods

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Corrosion is a major issue that can cause implant failure, leading to adverse reactions in the surrounding tissue and sometimes causing systemic complications. Several researchers are currently exploring ways to enhance the corrosion resistance of orthopedic implants, which is essential to improve their performance and longevity. The most common strategies used to enhance the corrosion resistance of orthopedic implants are selecting corrosion-resistant materials, surface treatments, coatings, and improved implant design. Surface treatments, such as passivation, anodization, and micro-arc oxidation, can also create a thin oxide layer on the surface of implants to act as a barrier against corrosion. Coatings (hydroxyapatite, diamond-like carbon, metal oxide coatings) and good implant design can also be used to provide a protective barrier and alter the surface chemistry. Further research can be focused on developing new materials and surface treatments that are more corrosion-resistant, as well as advanced implant designs that can minimize stress concentrations and enhance load distribution. By implementing these strategies, orthopedic implants can provide better treatment for patients with a higher level of safety and efficacy. This chapter mainly focuses on corrosion types, causes, merits, demerits, corrosion detection methods and remedial actions.