Evaluation of a precipitation hardened wrought cobalt-nickel-chromium-titanium alloy for surgical implants.

A Co-Ni-Cr-Ti precipitation hardening alloy is evaluated for use as a surgical implant alloy. Static and fatigue strength studies indicate that the alloy is equivalent, or superior to, present implant alloys. In vitro and in vivo corrosion studies indicate that the material has good general corrosion resistance but may be susceptible to crevice corrosion. However, there appear to be no inherent difficulties in using precipitation hardened alloys for surgical implants and therefore it may be possible to develop a new class of materials possessing ultra-high strength and excellent corrosion resistance for use in surgical implant applications.