Characterization, quantification, and isolation of aluminum oxide particles on grit blasted titanium aluminum alloy hip implants.

BACKGROUND: This study was undertaken to verify whether or not the microstructure of aluminum alloy implants interferes with the characterization and quantification of aluminum inclusions on their surfaces, resulting from grit blasting.
METHODS: Four factory-fresh prostheses were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray microanalysis. Specimens were cut out of the stems and the cross-sections analyzed. The specimens were etched in hot 25% hydrochloric acid. The hydrochloric acid was subsequently filtered with a 0.2-microm-pore filter. The filters were scanned using electron microscopy and X-ray microanalysis.
RESULTS: Aluminum oxide particles were found on all investigated stems; the diameter of the particles ranged from 4 to 100 microm. One hundred fifty-four particles were counted per mm(2). No particles were seen on the cross-sections of the implants. Scanning electron microscopy of the Millipore filters revealed aluminum oxide particles.
CONCLUSION: Remnants of grit blasting were found only on the surfaces; none were observed on cross-sections. We conclude that the microstructure of titanium aluminum alloy does not interfere with the identification and quantification of particles. Particles were identified on the filters by electron microscopy and X-ray microanalysis. Aluminum oxide on the surface of grit-blasted titanium aluminum alloy implants is, in fact, a residue of grit blasting.