ASM Failure Analysis Case Histories: Medical and Biomedical Devices
Fatigue Failures of Austenitic Stainless Steel Orthopedic Fixation Devices
-
Published:2019
Abstract
Failures of four different 300-series austenitic stainless steel biomedical fixation implants were examined. The device fractures were observed optically, and their surfaces were examined by scanning electron microscopy. Fractography identified fatigue to be the failure mode for all four of the implants. In every instance, the fatigue cracks initiated from the attachment screw holes at the reduced cross sections of the implants. Two fixation implant designs were analyzed using finite-element modeling. This analysis confirmed the presence of severe stress concentrations adjacent to the attachment screw holes, the fatigue crack initiation sites. Conclusions were reached regarding the design of these types of implant fixation devices, particularly the location of the attachment screw holes. The use of austenitic stainless steel for these biomedical implant devices is also addressed. Recommendations to improve the fixation implant design are suggested, and the potential benefits of the substitution of titanium or a titanium alloy for the stainless steel are discussed.
M.E. Stevenson, M.E. Barkey, R.C. Bradt, Fatigue Failures of Austenitic Stainless Steel Orthopedic Fixation Devices, ASM Failure Analysis Case Histories: Medical and Biomedical Devices, ASM International, 2019, https://doi.org/10.31399/asm.fach.med.c9001606
Download citation file:
October 16-19 | Detroit, Michigan
Keep up to date with the latest materials and processing technologies. Register today for IMAT 2023 & Heat Treat 2023!