Nickel ion level in scoliotic patients implanted with nitrogen plasma surface modified nickel-titanium superelastic spinal implant

This paper describes the use of nickle-titanium shape memory alloys as surgical implants to the patients undergoing scoliosis correction surgery. Toxic nickel particulate debris released from these materials, however, remains a major concern particularly pertaining to orthopaedic implants for which fretting is always expected at the implant junction. Therefore, the untreated ends were exposed and contacted with the surrounding human tissues and bloods.