title: Metallurgical evaluation of retrieved implants and correlation of failures to patient record data.
abstract: This study sought to establish an orthopedic implant retrieval program according to ASTM F561-87 (the American Society for Testing and Materials) and to describe the results of evaluation of failed implants. A total of 275 fracture fixation and prosthetic devices have been retrieved to date. Results of metallurgical evaluation showed no deviations in ASTM specifications among the failed implants evaluated. The cause of failure in most cases was fatigue following nonunion or delay in healing.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson 39216.
authors.forename: L D
authors.initials: LD
authors.lastname: Zardiackas
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Black
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Hughes
authors.forename: R B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Reeves
authors.forename: J N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Jun
mesh_terms: D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008422:Materials Testing; D008669:Metallurgy; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D011475:Prosthesis Failure