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SummarySeveral metallic orthopedic implants which failed in service and for which the medical histories are known are comprehensively examined using metallographic techniques and electron microprobe analyses to determine the causes of failure. The results indicate that fatigue is a major cause of failure and that, in all probability, the fatigue is initiated by poor design or poor material.

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SummaryA number of stainless steel and Vitallium orthopedic implants were purchased from the manufacturers and analyzed to determine their metallurgical soundness. From this sampling of current orthopedic implants over 50% contain metallurgical defects and deficiencies similar to those which have been shown previously to cause failures.