Failure analysis was conducted on commercially pure titanium orthopedic screws explanted from a 55 year old male. This analysis included gathering background information and patient history, macroscopic examination, material characterization and microscopic examination of the fracture surface of the failed screws. Additionally, a literature review was conducted in an effort to assess the frequency of similar failures. Information obtained from the failure analysis indicates that the screws failed via an overload during the installation process.

Subject
Scanning electron microscopy, Materials, Manufacturing, Fracture surfaces, Magnification, Inspection, Screws, Bone, Failure analysis, Mechanical failure, Titanium, Stainless steel, Plastic deformation
© 2007 Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP). All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of AMPP. Positions and opinions advanced in this work are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of AMPP. Responsibility for the content of the work lies solely with the author(s).
2007
Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP)
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