Review of the biomechanics, engineering design and forensic failure analysis of implantable medical devices

Abstract

Medical implants are being used extensively in the treatment of many types of medical ailments. Approximately 20% of adults in the U.S. have received an implant of one type or another. The U.S. Department of Commerce states that the global market for medical devices in 2016 was $339.5 billion and predicted that it would grow to $435.8 billion by 2020. As with any man-made device, some of these implants will fail. This paper provides the fundamental knowledge required by engineering and biomechanical professionals in order to analyze why an implanted orthopedic device has failed mechanically; generally by fracture. The focus will be limited to the failure of metals that are used to fabricate orthopedic implanted devices. Information regarding the biocompatibility of various engineered materials and their interaction with tissues is also presented.