Corrosion of Metal Modular Cup Liners

Numerous studies have reported on corrosion at the modular head taper, however less is known about the interface between the metal shell and liner of modular cups. This study examined the backside of a series of metal modular cup liners of two designs (DePuy Pinnacle and Smith & Nephew R3), retrieved from 67 patients. Visual inspection found evidence of corrosion in virtually all liners, with the engaging rim surface significantly more corroded than the polar regions (P<0.001). EDX confirmed that black surface deposits were chromium rich corrosion debris, while SEM analysis revealed considerable pitting in the vicinity of the black debris. The R3 liners were significantly more corroded that the Pinnacles (P<0.001); this may help to explain the higher revision rates of this design.