Vitallium

Vitallium or vitalium is an alloy made of cobalt, chromium, and molybdenum. It is notably resistant to corrosion. It is a biomaterial used to make surgical tools and prosthetic implants such as joint replacements.

Composition

The exact composition of vitallium alloys depends on their manufacturer. ISO standards define "cobalt chromium molybdenum casting alloy" as containing 26.5% to 30% chromium, 4.5 to 7% molybdenum, and the remainder cobalt.[1] The Medical Subject Headings dictionary defines vitallium as containing 60% cobalt, 20% chromium, 5% molybdenum.[2]

Small amounts of other ingredients can be added to alter its structure and properties.[3]

History

Vitallium was developed in the United States in 1932, and used in joint replacement. A vitallium implant given to English engineer Norman Sharp at age 23 was recognised as the world's longest-lasting hip replacement in 2016.[4]

Sources

  1. ↑ ISO 5832-4:2024 (Technical report). International Organization for Standardization. April 2024.
  2. ↑ "Vitallium". Medical Subject Headings. National Library of Medicine. MeSH D014800. Retrieved 30 August 2025.
  3. ↑ Kaminski, M.; Baszkiewicz, J.; Kozubowski, J.; Bednarska, A.; Barcz, A.; Gawlik, G.; Jagielski, J. (1997). "Effect of silicon ion implantation on the properties of a cast Co–Cr–Mo alloy". Journal of Materials Science. 32 (14): 3727–3732. doi:10.1023/A:1018607219482.
  4. ↑ Shanti Das (2016-03-23). "Grandad's record breaking hip replacement which has lasted since birth of NHS in 1948". The Mirror.
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