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Practical Failure Analysis

, Volume 1, Issue 6, pp 53–61 | Cite as

Retrieval and analysis of surgical implants in Brazil: The need for proper regulation

  • C. R. F. Azevedo
  • E. Hippert
Peer Reviewed Articles
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Revised:

Abstract

This paper summarizes several cases of metallurgical failure analysis of surgical implants conducted at the Laboratory of Failure Analysis of IPT, in Brazil. Investigation revealed that most of the samples were not in accordance with ISO standards and presented evidence of corrosion assisted fracture. Additionally, some components were found to contain fabrication/processing defects that contributed to premature failure. The implant of nonbiocompatible materials results in immeasurable damage to patients as well as losses for the public investment. It is proposed that local sanitary regulation agencies create mechanisms to avoid commercialization of surgical implants that are not in accordance with standards and adopt the practice of retrieval analysis of failed implants. This would protect the public health by identifying and preventing the main causes of failure in surgical implants.

Keywords

retrieval analysis metallic surgical implants fracture mechanisms corrosion stainless steel commercially pure titanium Ti-4Al-6V Nitinol 
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Copyright information

© ASM International - The Materials Information Society 2001

Authors and Affiliations

  • C. R. F. Azevedo
    • 1
  • E. Hippert
    • 1
  1. 1.Laboratory for Failure AnalysisInstituto de Pesquisas Tecnológicas do Estado de São PauloSão PauloBrazil

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