1. Scope
1.1 This practice describes the testing, analytical, and characterization methods for
evaluating the mechanical stability of the bore and cone interface of the head
and stem junction of modular hip implants subjected to cyclic loading by
measurements of fretting corrosion (1-5).2 Two test methods described are
as follows:
1.1.1
Method I—The primary purpose of this method is to provide a
uniform set of guidelines for long-term testing to determine the amount of
damage by measurement of the production of corrosion products and
particulate debris from fretting and fretting corrosion. Damage is also
assessed by characterization of the damage to the bore and cone surfaces
(4, 5).
1.1.2
Method II—This method provides for short-term
electrochemical evaluation of the fretting corrosion of the modular
interface. It is not the intent of this method to produce damage nor
particulate debris but rather to provide a rapid method for qualitative
assessment of design changes which do not include material changes
(1-4).