<b>DETERMINATION OF METAL IONS RELEASED BY STAINLESS STEEL ARCH BAR INTO BIO-FLUIDS</b>

Abstract

The amounts of cobalt, iron, manganese, nickel and chromium ions released from new and reused stainless steel arch bar used for maxillomandibular fixation was determined in Hank’s solutions of different hydrogen and chloride ions concentrations, whole blood serum and phosphate buffered saline (PBS) in vitro, over a six-week immersion time at 37 ^oC, by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The corrosion levels of the wires due to effects of media and incubation times in the bio-fluids were compared by Duncan’s two-way ANOVA (P < 0.05). Pearson’s correlation was used in establishing relationship in the amounts of metal ions released by new and reused arch bars. The study indicated that the reused wires released more ions than new ones at all time points. The variation of pH and chloride ions of the bio-fluids had a significant effect on the amount of Ni, Mn and Cr ions released. Ageing prior use of arch bars significantly increased Ni ions released into the bio-fluids.

KEY WORDS: Maxillomandibular fixation, Corrosion, Arch bar, Bio-fluids, Metal ions

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2009, 23(1), 37-45.