ASTM F1875: Standard Test Method for Long-Term Fretting Corrosion Testing of Modular Implant Interfaces: Hip Femoral Modular Head-Bore / Cone Taper Junctions
ASTM F1875 describes test, analysis, and characterization methods for evaluating the long-term fretting corrosion behavior of modular hip femoral head-bore and cone taper junctions under cyclic loading in a corrosive environment.
The method is intended for comparative testing of final-finished femoral heads in combination with final-finished stems or simulated trunnion specimens. It does not predict in vivo performance. Instead, it provides defined test conditions for comparing fretting and fretting corrosion behavior between different implant designs, material combinations, and construct configurations.
Testing is performed under cyclic compressive loading for a minimum of 10 million cycles. After testing, the resulting damage is assessed by visual scoring and, where applicable, by quantitative methods such as metal ion analysis and electrochemical measurements.
ASTM F1875 also describes a short-term electrochemical screening approach that may be used during design development to compare design parameters, material combinations, or surface treatments, and to support worst-case selection for long-term testing. This screening test is provided as additional, nonmandatory guidance and does not replace the long-term performance evaluation.
