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Failure Analysis of Internal Fixation Medical Devices: Overview and Case Studies

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Abstract

Internal fixation devices, and specifically bone plate and screw assemblies, are among the most common implantable medical devices that a failure analyst may encounter. These devices most often fracture by fatigue crack initiation and growth. This article discusses potential root causes of internal fixation device fractures and describes the process of metallurgical and nondestructive examination of these assemblies. Two fractured internal fixation device case studies are reviewed.

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Source: ASM Handbook Vol. 23 [2]

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Source: ASM Handbook Vol. 23 [2]

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Materials and Corrosion Engineering Practice, Exponent, Inc., 149 Commonwealth Drive, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA

    Ryan P. Birringer, Gabriel S. Ganot & Brad A. James

Authors
  1. Ryan P. Birringer
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  2. Gabriel S. Ganot
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  3. Brad A. James
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Correspondence to Ryan P. Birringer.

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Birringer, R.P., Ganot, G.S. & James, B.A. Failure Analysis of Internal Fixation Medical Devices: Overview and Case Studies. J Fail. Anal. and Preven. 16, 849–857 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11668-016-0159-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11668-016-0159-1

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