Corrosion of silver cones in bone: a scanning electron microscope and microprobe analysis.

Sections of silver cones were implanted in tibial bone wounds in 36 Sprague-Dawley rats. Groups of six rats each were killed at monthly intervals, and the specimens were examined by scanning electron microscopy and by X-ray microanalysis. The silver cones had corroded rapidly, but they were well tolerated by the tissues. Elements of silver, chlorine, and sulfur were found in the tissues adjacent to the implants.