Changes of Concentrations of the Elements Co, Cr, Sb, and Sc in Tissues of Persons with Joint Implants

Elevated levels of Co and Cr were found in several organs of deceased implant bearers (CoCr-alloy/polyethylene joint prostheses) by means of instrumental and radiochemical neutron activation analysis as compared to normal persons. For comparative purposes, concentrations of the elements Co, Cr, Sb, and Sc were measured in heart, kidney, liver, and spleen of the patients and normal persons. For Cr determination, a new radiochemical separation technique with sufficiently low determination limit was employed. The importance of such investigations for studying possible carcinogenic effects of corrosion products and wear particles of metallic prostheses is mentioned.