Damage Analysis of Broken Orthopedic Implants

Joint implants and fixings are subject to many stresses throughout their life cycle. Despite careful design, material selection, manufacturing technology and proper surgical technology, implant damage and, in extreme cases, fracture can occur. Investigation of injuries is important from the perspective of the patient, the care provider and the manufacturer, among other things, by exploring the cause of the fracture to prevent similar cases. In the present study we performed failure analysis of a hip implant and a bone fixation plate. Fracture surfaces, material composition, material structure and hardness were also investigated. Based on the work done, we determined what might have led to the fracture in both cases.