The concept of protection potential applied to the corrosion of metallic orthopedic implants.

Cyclic polarization curves obtained for a cobalt-base casting alloy (similar to Vitallium Surgical Alloy) and for 316L stainless steel show that the cobalt-base alloy exhibits a high (noble) protection potential whereas the stainless steel exhibits a low (active) protection potential. It is suggested that the resistance to crevice corrosion of Vitallium Surgical Alloy results from its high value of protection potential whereas the susceptibility of 316L stainless to severe crevice corrosion results from its low value of protection potential.