Hip implant modular junction: The role of CoCrMo alloy microstructure on fretting-corrosion.

Cobalt-chromium-molybdenum (CoCrMo) alloy is one of the most used metals in total hip replacement (THR) due to the alloy's superior corrosion qualities and biocompatibility. Over time these prostheses may undergo wear and corrosion processes in a synergistic process known as tribocorrosion. Implant retrieval studies have shown that damage patterns on THR modular junction surfaces indicating specifically in vivo fretting-corrosion to take place.