Effect of tissue environment on the structure and properties of Ti-6Al-4V alloy

Abstract

Medical materials in contact with the human body must be biocompatible and bioinert. The increasing demand for such materials, along with the younger age of biomaterial users and the high standards set by modern medicine, make these some of the most expensive man-made materials. This necessitates the use of advanced materials and technologies to ensure the structural and functional similarity of substitutes [1, 2]. Commonly used materials include austenitic steels, cobalt alloys, titanium alloys, and precious metals. Titanium alloys, in particular, are known for their biological compatibility and optimal biotolerance, not only in typical implants but also in bone stabilizers [3]. The introduction of foreign materials into a living organism can trigger tissue reactions. While the effects of medical materials on the body are well-studied [4 - 9], fewer studies focus on the reverse - the impact of tissue environment on these materials. This study analyzes a medical titanium alloy plate removed after the successful healing of a fractured metacarpal bone, focusing on the tissue environment's impact on the material's structure and surface properties. Macroscopic examination revealed no changes; however, microscopic analysis showed small, irregular scratches and foreign material accumulation on the plates, primarily composed of calcium, carbon, and oxygen.