Because of the increasing use of dissimilar metal combinations in the
human body, we undertook an in vitro study to determine the compatibility
and tendency to accelerate crevice corrosion of galvanic couples of
cobalt-chromium alloy with either titanium, titanium alloy, or stainless
steel. We employed an electrochemical open-circuit potential measurement
test and a potentiostatic passive film-corrosion measurement test. The
results demonstrated that the chromium alloy/stainless-steel couple was
unstable. The cobalt-chromium alloy/titanium alloy couple was stable.
Clinical Relevance: Cobalt-chromium alloys should not be used in
combination with stainless steel but may be used in combination with
titanium alloy. All usage of metal couples should be approached with the
utmost caution.